The Market is Open!

Good Morning Food Clubbers,

The market is open and ready for orders! We hope you’re in the middle of a safe and relaxing holiday weekend chock-full of yummy local foods. Whether you find yourself sitting in one of the cleanest rivers in the country or grilling out with family and friends, there’s no wrong way to enjoy some extra time off in this beautiful weather. Which reminds me, if you ordered food last week and haven’t yet picked up, keep on enjoying that weather tomorrow, since we moved our normal Monday pick-up to Tuesday from 4:30-6. Alas, most good things must come to an end, but nothing will make the post-holiday drag easier than some great, local products, such as:

• Beets are back in full force this week with three different varieties: Organic baby from Crimmins Family Farm and red ace and white blankoma from Willow Springs Market Garden. Beets are just about my favorite veggie, and for those that don’t share this same love, look no further than a wonderful borscht.

• A big welcome back to cucumbers as well. Those babies from Barnhill Orchards look perfect for pickling, and the American slicers from Arkansas Natural Produce would be great in a refreshing cucumber salad.

• This week’s Butcher’s Buy from MeatWorks is especially tempting for a rib-lover like me: About 4 lbs of a mix of pastured pork country and spare ribs at a great price. Even if you’ve overloaded on BBQ this weekend, there’s still plenty of other options to enjoy these delectable ribs.

• So many incredible hummuses to choose from Geek Eats. New to the line-up is caramelized onion and italian herb, loaded with actual sweet chunks of onion. Make sure and follow them on facebook for the chance to snag some special hummus deals.

• Now that we’re truly into bug bite season, I don’t go out without bug banisher from Tammy Sue’s Critters. Found under Bath & Beauty, this all-natural stuff actually works and was a big part of keeping me malaria-free last Summer in Northern Uganda.

• As the bounty of Summer continues to expand, consider a donation from the vegetable section to those less fortunate. Spend your money directly with local farmers like Eddie and the Fulbrights to purchase donation lettuce, kale, or spring mix that will be delivered directly to residents of Gaines House Women’s Shelter or Our House Shelter for the Working Homeless, to help provide quality, nutritious foods to those that can least afford it.

Speaking of which, the Arkansas Local Food Network is incredibly proud to partner with our hosts at Christ Episcopal Church on the Green Groceries Food Pantry. Green Groceries is a super unique food pantry that spends money with small, local farms to get nutritious foods to low-income families in need. Over 30 families are able to get baskets of healthy, local foods every two weeks, and wonderful volunteers always prepare and distribute a recipe of that week’s goodies. For more information or to find out how to assist with Green Groceries, please contact Susie Shinn at 416-9825 or greengroceries@christchurchlr.org.

Happy Holiday!

- Alex Handfinger
Director of Operations

Do you have questions or comments about this, or any, weblog? Thoughts on local food, goods, or events? Reply to this email and let us know what’s on your mind. Your feedback is always greatly appreciated!