Farmers Market the place to be

Thursday, July 2, 2009 July 02, 2009 02:34 pm

— The Stanly County Farmers’ Market was the place to be on June 27. Vendors were lined up on both sides with their fresh vegetables, blackberries, blueberries, plants, cut flowers, jams and jellies, eggs, beef, herbs, coffee and lemonade, fresh baked cookies and muffins, aprons, crafts and homemade ice cream — you name it.
The Stanly County Extension and Community Association thanks B.J. Drye of the Stanly News & Press and Leon Warren at Radio WZKY for their publicity in spreading the word that our association would be offering free samples of banana nut bread sweetened with applesauce and stir-fry vegetables grown in Stanly County in an effort to demonstrate an easy and nutritious way to serve fresh vegetables grown locally (and that are available at the Farmers’ Market).
We also thank everyone who stopped for their sample. Response to our effort to promote the Farmers’ Market was great thanks to those of you who visited with us.
It all goes without saying, that fresh always tastes better. Transporting produce long distances takes time and an allowance is made for foods to reach their maturity enroute which lowers their nutritional value.
Transportation also increases costs and pollution in bringing the produce from the farm to your table.
Our local economy benefits when you support local farmers producing fresh fruits, vegetables, etc. Plan to go early as many of our farmers sell out early in the day on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Jane K. Rogers
Stanly County Extension and Community Association