By Debra Morris–
The first week of this month, August 1–7, was Farmers’ Market Week, but we are taking the whole month to celebrate and thank the farmers and the community who have supported their local farmers’ market through this last year. The resilience of small farmers during this past year of pandemic, drought, and farmers’ market closures has been truly remarkable. Their commitment to bringing fresh wholesome produce to their local community, their inherent love of farming, and their can-do spirit have been inspiring.
During the pandemic it has become clear that local food systems with short supply chains are a necessity and can adapt to change. Throughout the pandemic, local small farmers continued to grow and harvest crops, altering their methods or growing patterns as they adjusted to the “new normal.” Corporate food systems were not nearly as flexible when it came to supplying the public with their products because of lack of transportation and product availability.
Farmers’ markets provide one of the few direct-to-consumer entry points for new farmers, ranchers, and other local products, allowing them to start small and grow their business. Growers who sell locally and directly were able to hire more workers and grow their crops more sustainably this past year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
This past year, farmers’ markets saw a large increase in the use of EBT benefits and Market Match programs. With the loss of many jobs due to pandemic closures, the need for fresh produce increased exponentially. Last year, over $1,000,000 in benefits were distributed at PCFMA markets, with over $900,000 in EBT/Market Match/WIC benefits to over 6,800 participants. The Market Match program doubles the value of your EBT purchases, so your budget stretches further. The need for these programs is evident.
As the state of California has opened up and farmers’ markets are back in business, farmers are planting crops, delivering their produce to farmers’ markets, and are welcoming customers. Customers have returned in greater numbers than before as they rediscover the importance of their local farmers’ market to the community and their health.
Throughout the Bay Area, communities have strengthened their relationships with farmers and farmers’ markets, now making them a more essential part of their community than ever. We have our dedicated farmers and their ability to grow quality produce to thank for that. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in California!
This month we are featuring melons and corn, which are both at their peak of deliciousness. There are many varieties of melons available at your local farmers’ market, not all of which are familiar but should be enjoyed. Cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew are the most familiar, but others are equally tasty. Uncommon varieties like bitter melon, Korean melon, and winter melon are some varieties you should try. Other delicious varieties are Golden Dew, Hami and Golden Hami, Galia, Orange Dew, and Canary. Discover something new to add to your recipe repertoire.
Visit your Castro Farmers’ Market this Wednesday evening for juicy watermelon from Arata Fruit out of Byron, cantaloupe from Fifth Crow Farm of Pescadero, and sweet Brentwood corn from G&S Farms. Thank your farmers for persevering so that you can have the best in local fresh produce. Thanks also to farmers’ market customers who have hung in there and supported their local farmers and farmers’ markets through it all.
Honeydew Melon Smoothies
1 cup baby spinach
1/2 cup mint
Juice of one lime
3 cups water or coconut water
3 cups honeydew, cubed and frozen, from a small, ripe honeydew
Combine ingredients in a blender and purée until smooth. Also delicious with a jigger of gin or white rum.
Debra Morris is a spokesperson for the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA). Check out the PCFMA website for recipes, information about farmers’ markets throughout the region and for much more: https://www.pcfma.org/
Published on August 12, 2021
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