FARM-TO-TABLE: FINDING LOCAL FARM FRESH FOOD

BY SUZIE WELLS

With so many farms across the region, in spring we celebrate the fresh, delicious foods raised or grown right in our backyards. No need to depend on the big box stores shipping products across the country; everything people need or want is usually available at the neighborhood farmers markets, farm stands, pick-yourown farms, and community supported agriculture (CSA) partnerships. ese options provide freshness second-to-none and usually have a more personal touch as customers interact with farmers who put their heart and soul into the business. Win-win.

ere’s nothing quite like perusing the stands at a farmers market, bag or basket in hand, senses on alert, consuming the aroma or even samples of fresh baked goods, produce, and farm products, with the cadence of friendly, happy sounds of neighbors and friends reconnecting with smiles. Ideas ow for meals and dishes to accentuate the avors of the week’s harvest. e community comes together with each week’s harvest.

Ontario County’s Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) touts, “People are rediscovering the pleasure of fresh, healthy food from local farms and a more meaningful connection with the land and the community. Buying directly from farmers is a way to enjoy this experience and Ontario County has many opportunities to do it.”

Livingston County has a Buy Local campaign, a community-based initiative to increase farm to restaurant connections, establish farm to institution connections, and provide access to fresh and nutritious food to low-income families. ey say, “Our goals are to foster the environmental, economic, and social vitality of our community by increasing the connections between consumers and farmers.”

And Monroe County has a plethora of farmers markets across the region; the Rochester Public Market even runs year-round in their heated facility. Check out a farmers market this week to see what treasures you can nd.

Monroe County Farmers Market Locations

Brighton Farmers Market: Sundays 9am-1pm

Brockport Farmers Market: Sundays, 8am-1pm

Fairport Farmers Market: Saturdays 7am-12pm

Greece Ridge Mall Farmers Market: urs. & Sat. 8am-3pm

Irondequoit Farmers Market: ursdays 4pm-dusk

North Chili Farmers Market: Saturdays 8am-1pm

NOTA Farmers Market: Mondays 4-7pm

Pittsford Colony Plaza Farmers Market: Saturdays 9am-1pm

Pittsford Village Community Farmers Market: Saturdays 9am-1pm

Rochester Public Market: Tues. & urs. 6am-1pm, Sat. 5am-3pm

South Wedge Farmers Market: ursdays 4-7pm

Webster’s Joe Obbie Farmers Market: Saturdays 8:30am-1pm

Westside Farmers Market: Tuesdays 4-7pm

Livingston County Farmers Market Locations

Avon Farmers Market: Wednesdays 3-6pm

Dansville Farmers Market: Fridays 11am-4pm

Lima Presbyterian Church Farmers Market: Tuesdays 3-6pm

Hemlock/Little Lakes Farmers Market: Saturdays 9am-12pm

Nunda Farmers Market: Saturdays 9am-12pm

Geneseo Farmers Market: ursdays 3-6:30pm

Springwater Farmers Market: Fridays 3-6pm

Lakeville Farmers Market: Fridays 4-7pm

Ontario County Farmers Market Locations

Canandaigua Farmers Market: Saturdays 9am-12pm

Farmington Farmers Market: Fridays 3-6pm

Geneva Farmers Market: Saturdays 8am-1:30pm

Victor Farmers Market: Wednesdays 3-6pm

Don’t see your community listed? Search for your local farmers market in the National Farmers Market Directory (nfmd.org).

Community Supported Agriculture

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a mutually supportive and cooperative relationship between producers (farmers) and consumers(customers). econsumerpaysamembership/subscription fee at the beginning of the season, and then receives a crop “share” of fresh, quality produce each week throughout the season. Consumers enjoy a supply of fresh, quality produce grown in their region, o en without harmful chemicals or preservatives. ey also have the unique opportunity to connect with the land their food is grown on by assisting in production or visiting the farm for pick-ups and events. CSAs foster community and keep food dollars within the local economy. To nd CSAs in your area, check out usdalocalfoodportal.com e Farm to School program puts food from local farms directly into school lunchrooms, providing students with fresh, nutritious foods and educating them about where their food comes from. Farm to School connects the community to agricultural producers, bene ting students and farmers alike. In Ontario County, several school districts and farms participate in Farm to School programming. Learn more at cceontario.org/agriculture/local-foods/farm-to-school.

MeatSuite

MeatSuite is a CCE Agriculture Educators’ website to help consumers nd locally produced, high quality meats to purchase in bulk across many NYS counties. To search by zip code/neighborhood or by species across the region to nd farms near you, visit meatsuite.com.

People from all walks of life are united in their desire to eat healthier, support their local economy, and know where their food comes from. Enjoy the Rochester area’s bounty of farmers markets, road stands, CSAs, and livestock farms.