Building Stronger Communities Through Sustainable Agriculture

West End Community Market 1/24

2012-01-23T07:12:00.001-08:00

Greetings,

Yes, the West End Community Market will be open tomorrow from 3:00 - 6:00pm, as we attempt to run our market year round. Help us create a year round local food system by enjoying the healthy and delicious treats our local farmers have to offer. The Wrights, Kris Peckman, Good Food Good People, and Joe Burge will all be there tomorrow.

A reminder that we accept SNAP-EBT benefits, and double those dollars, for twice the good food. We also have gift certificates for our Community Markets for anyone who wants to give the gift of the local food.

Happy Eating,

Brent

2012 Community Market "Opener"

2012-01-02T16:55:00.000-08:00

Yes the West End Community Market will be open tomorrow, Jan. 3rd 2012, from 3-6pm. and we'll have the heat on high so it will be nice and toasty inside. Kris Peckman with Ferguson Farm will have her signature curly and siberian kale, as well as fresh eggs and winter squashes. The Wrights of The Professor's Garden have some high tunnels (think mini greenhouses) this year and are producing a variety of beautiful greens such as spinach, tatsoi, bok choy, kale, mizuna, beets, and much more. Sedulous Seed will have a variety of artisan breads and other hot and ready-to-eat prepared foods. Good Food Good People and Betsy Stewartson will not be at the market tomorrow, but GFGP will be there next week on the 10th.

Stay warm out there.

Brent

Happy Early New Year

2011-12-27T10:10:00.000-08:00

The West End Community Market will be open today from 3;00 - 6:00pm and will remain open every Tuesday throughout the upcoming New Year, weather dependent. If we have to cancel due to inclement weather during Jan, Feb, or March, I'll post the cancellation here and to our facebook page.

Please stop by on this rainy day and stock up for your New Year's feast.

Holiday Market

2011-12-19T08:12:00.000-08:00

Please think local this season when preparing your holiday meal(s). The West End Community Market will be open tomorrow from 3:00-6:00pm and stocked with plenty of local and seasonal goodies, perfect for your family dinner.

The market will remain open throughout this winter, weather permitting each week. Just because it's winter doesn't mean we have to stop eating locally. Many veggie varieties thrive in the winter, especially when cultivated under low or high tunnels, which some of our farmers are currently using. Combine this with fresh baked goods, prepared foods, meats, and cheeses, and we can enjoy local bounty year round.

Still need to do your Christmas shopping? Have no fear, because we have the perfect gift for your favorite Roanoke Locavore, COMMUNITY MARKET GIFT CERTIFICATES. These are good at either the West End or Grandin Village Community Markets, they don't expire, and don't have to be used all at once. Please see me tomorrow at the West End Community Market or feel free to email or call if you're interested in giving the gift of local delicious food this season.

Happy Holidays,

Brent

Brent@LEAPforlocalfood.org

540-597-6914

West End Community Market TODAY

2011-12-13T07:20:00.001-08:00

Just a friendly reminder that the West End Community Market will be open today from 3:00-6:00pm. You can find us at the West End Center for Youth, 1223 Patterson Ave. SW 24016. 'Tis the season for a wide variety of fresh winter greens, root vegetables, apples, cheese, pasture raised meats, fresh eggs, artisan bread, baked goods, and holiday greenery such as fresh wreaths. The market is well stocked with local goodies, so swing by the WECM and satisfy your locavore craving.

Interesting Stories & WECM Update

2011-11-15T07:45:00.000-08:00

The West End Community Market will be inside and open today at the West End Center for Youth from 3:00-6:00pm. With the Thanksgiving holiday rapidly approaching please think local when preparing your family's menu. Speaking of the holiday, yes we will be open during our normal hours next Tuesday, the 22nd. Bramble Hollow Farm will join us next week for the last time before next spring, so if you want some of their delicious pasture raised pork or poultry, this is your last chance.

We are now offering Community Market gift certificates. These are good at either the Grandin or West End Community Markets and they do not expire, so you can give them as gifts this holiday season and they can be used anytime. Please email me if you're interested, or stop by the manager's table at the WECM on Tuesday afternoon.

Thanks,

Brent@LEAPforlocalfood.org

540-597-6914

Here are a couple of recent NPR stories about local food.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/11/14/142306970/local-food-is-no-small-potatoes-farmers-rake-in-almost-5-billion

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/11/14/142303900/farmland-is-real-estates-big-bright-spot

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2011/11/15/142305869/newbie-farmers-find-that-dirt-isnt-cheap

Calling All Volunteers

2011-11-10T08:02:00.001-08:00

LEAP and your Community Markets need you!

I'm looking for some volunteers to assist me with the West End Community Market through the end of December and possibly beyond. Specifically I need one person per market to man, or woman, the manager's table and EBT machine. All you have to do is operate the EBT machine, which is a mobile credit card machine, and facilitate the EBT transactions for SNAP recipient customers. It's an incredibly simple process, all you have to do is swipe a debit card and count out some wooden nickels. That's it.

The hours are 3:00 - 6:00pm on Tuesday afternoons. If you're interested in hanging out at the WECM for a few hours, meeting some interesting people, and helping your favorite Community Market continue to build a stronger community through sustainable agriculture, then drop me a line.

Many Thanks,

Brent

Brent@LEAPforlocalfood.org

540-597-6914

Winter Market Opener

2011-11-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

We will be inside today and for the rest of the season at the West End Community Market every Tuesday from 3:00 - 6:00pm. Same bat time, same bat place, just inside of the building immediately behind the space where the row of tents is in the summer. Just look for the bright red signs pointing the way.

Also, we are now offering gift certificates to the market. If you're looking for the perfect holiday gift for your favorite Roanoke locavore, look no further. These gift certificates are good for all vendors at both the West End and Grandin Village Community Markets, and they do not expire. All you have to do is send me an email of interest and I'll deliver your gift certificate "market money" to the market.

Please email me at: Brent@LEAPforlocalfood.org

Thanks,

Brent

Final Week of the GVCM

2011-10-25T06:39:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

On this beautiful fall day, we'll host our last outdoor West End Community Market. Starting next week, we'll be inside for our official Winter Market which will DEFINITELY run through the end of December, and possibly beyond, depending on product availability and customer support. Anna Wills with Bramble Hollow Farm is our special guest today. She'll have pasture raised pork cuts and fresh heritage breed chickens.

This Saturday will be our last Grandin Village Community Market of the 2011 season. We greatly appreciate the generous support that we continue to receive from our local food community. We bid everyone farewell, but not good-bye because we'll keep the locavore ball rolling with our Winter Market at the West End Community Market location on Tuesdays from 3:00-6:00pm.

Please swing by today and Saturday for one more spin under the tents before we gather closer to hearth and home and take our operations inside for the winter season.

Brent

Local Food is ALL about the Connection

2011-10-18T07:49:00.000-07:00

Thankfully our options in the U.S. for procuring local, organic, and sustainable foods are rapidly expanding. Farmers markets, community supported agriculture programs (CSA's), urban farms, community gardens, cooperatives, and backyard do-it-yourself gardeners are sprouting like mushrooms after a fall rain. But why are these small scale food initiatives expanding and why do I and others strongly advocate for greater participation in the "local food revolution?" This is an easy but very in depth question to answer, so I'll tackle a different and distinct aspect in each new post, and do my best to tell the story. Without the growth of the above mentioned food options, we wouldn't be able to have this conversation, but it's the underlying why that's driving this process, and is most interesting to me.

A picture is worth a thousand words and I think the above picture tells the first story quite well, the story of connection. When we involve ourselves as customers in a direct marketing food initiative such as a farmers market or CSA, we usually interact directly with the person who's grown our food, the very thing that sustains and nourishes us. This immediate and direct connection forms a mutual and bonding relationship. Without the farmer, we don't eat, and without us, neither does the farmer. Yep, this is good ol' capitalism at its finest, the supplier needs customers and the customers need suppliers.

Beyond the business transaction, this relationship creates a deeper bond. We can ask the farmer about their practices; "is the produce organically grown, how do you treat your animals, how do you treat your land or workers, what's your favorite recipe," etc. Some farmers even offer farm tours, allowing us to see and touch the land, ask more questions, and build stronger personal relationships. This is what it's all about, connection and relationships, relationships that rely on mutual trust and respect. Now we have an economic, communal, and environmental connection. The farmer's food nourishes our health, our dollar nourishes their family and recirculates within our community, and the whole process directly nourishes the farmers land and, in the case of local, the greater environment through carbon emission reductions.

It's sadly humorous when I think about our modern food system. If I eat a conventional item out of a standard grocery store, say a green pepper, I have no clue about it's life. Where was it grown, how was it grown, who grew it, how long has it been on the shelf, how many people have handled it, and how many places has it passed through on its journey to my hand? Here it is, the most basic of necessities, the very thing that sustains my life force, and I have no clue about its history, no connection to its process, and no relationship with its grower. The only assurances I have are those of the USDA and the corporation that's selling it to me. I'm sure they have my best interest at the top of their list.

But if you buy a green pepper from your local farmers market, you can look the person in the eye and shake their hand, and they'll happily tell you who they are, where they grew it, how they grew it, and that the only hands that have touched it are their own.

In my experience, farmers like to talk about what they do, and they like to talk about how they do it, but they love to talk about why they do it. More often than not, these "why" stories focus on a connection to the land, a mutual relationship, that is not merely passed on to us as customers, but that which includes and relies on our participation and our collaboration.

I encourage everyone to visit a farmers market or take a local farm tour. Even if you don't want to buy anything, just start a conversation, make the connection, and see where it leads.

West End Community Market 10/18

2011-10-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

There's been some conflicting information floating around about the markets, so please let me clarify.

The Grandin Village Community Market has two more days, this coming Saturday the 22nd and Saturday the 29th, same bat time, same bat place. After that the vendors who still have product, it looks like we'll have approximately 10, will join the West End Community Market on Tuesdays from 3:00-6:00 inside, and the Grandin Market will be closed until next spring. The inside market at the West End, coined our Winter Market, will DEFINITELY be open through the end of December. Beyond this date, it will depend on the local product availability, farmer interest, and customer support, with the latter driving this entire process.

Also, other area markets are closing their SNAP-EBT program for the winter. I have no intention of shutting down our program. We'll always accept SNAP benefits, year round, at the markets, and as long as I can continue to find creative ways to fund the "double-your-bucks" program, we'll offer this as well.

A couple of our vendors have been absent from the WECM the last couple of weeks, but we'll have a full house today, so swing by between 3:00 - 6:00pm for some delicious local goodies.

West End Community Market 10/11

2011-10-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

Due to the impending rain this afternoon, we will be inside for a dry and cozy market today. Unfortunately our West End Community Market baker, Betsy Stewartson, will not be here today, so you'll have to wait until Saturday or next Tuesday for some of her addictive cinnamon rolls.

Good Food Good People will have fresh chickens from Weathertop Farm. We've yet to have our first frost, so there are still tomatoes and summer items, but the fall items such as apples, greens and various squashes are beginning to take over.

We All Gotta Eat

2011-10-09T14:01:00.001-07:00

In this age of abundance and rapid technological advancement, we often forget that we're biological creatures. We have smart phones, ever present wifi, fast cars, jets that will take us around the world in a matter of hours, endless entertainment options, stylish clothing, advanced buildings, and food anytime anywhere. While this is not true for everyone throughout the world, this is true for a large number of members of western societies. However, no matter what our "advances" may be, we're still humans, and still biological beings. We first require air, without which we'd last a matter of minutes, we still require water, without which we'd last a week at best, and we still require nutrition from food, without which we'd last a couple of months at most. It's this latter need, that I'd like to bring our attention to.

Food. For many of us in the western world, it's a complete after thought. Eating is something we do for pleasure more than necessity. In the melting pot of America, we have everything under the sun; raw, cooked, processed, packaged, and just short of being digested for us.

Food comes from the grocery store, or the convenience store, or the restaurant, with the land, sunshine, water, farmer, community, and good luck completely detached from the end product.

Think about it, even the most processed item, say a Twinkie, has to get its man made chemically derived raw ingredients from somewhere. Yep, somewhere, way way back in that Twinkie's supply chain is an ear of corn, or a sugar cane stalk, or some nuclear waste.

Well the fact is that food doesn't come from the grocery store, it comes from nature. Yep, even the all mighty human being is still reliant on the natural world for life's true necessities.

What we eat, when we eat, and how we eat has an incredible impact on the world in which we live. Every day we vote with our dollars. If you go to the nearest grocery store and buy a conventional tomato in the winter, you're probably voting primarily for the grocery store and its stockholders, secondarily for some middle man, and way down at the bottom for a large industrial farm. "But what about the farmer?" Industrial farms don't have farmers, they have contracts and migrant workers who are often paid very little and treated very poorly.

"But that tomato is cheap and available anytime of the year." On this you are correct, so you just voted for your wallet and your convenience. But you voted against the environment, against migrant laborers, against your local farmer, your local economy, and your local community.

What's my point?

The point is that our connection and relationship with food has vast implications that spread like rings on a rippling pond far beyond our narrow personal scope. For those of us always seeking to find ways in which we can help the Earth, help our fellow beings, and live better more sustainable lives, one of the easiest, most rewarding, healthful, and delicious ways to do so, is through conscious eating.

Grandin Village Community Market 10/8

2011-10-07T11:19:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

Welcome to Indian Summer! One of the best times of year, so get out there and enjoy. Tomorrow GFGP will have FRESH CHICKENS from Weathertop Farm and we'll have one of our favorite special guests, Charlie Counts with Local SEAFOOD Delivery.

Just a reminder, although some of the SNAP-EBT programs have ended for the season at other area farmers markets, does not mean that ours has. In fact, we don't plan to stop, so swing by for our "double your bucks" program and take home twice the good food. Our "market bucks" are good at either market, anytime, so you don't have to worry about them expiring.

These bucks also make great gift certificates. So if you're looking for the perfect gift for your favorite Roanoke Valley Locavore, give them a LEAP gift certificate and let them enjoy some delicious local fare from our Community Markets. Just contact me if you're interested in spreading the gift of local food:

Brent@LEAPforlocalfood.org

540-597=6914

Cheers,

Brent

Grandin Village Community Market 9/23

2011-09-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

Wow, I can't believe it's the last weekend in September. One more month of Saturday markets, then we move inside for the winter at the West End on Tuesdays.

It looks like the rain will stop in time for another Saturday morning market. Unfortunately the Burges of Sedulous Seed will be away this weekend, so we won't have any of their tamales, chimichangas, potstickers, or other delicious prepared foods. Local Roots restaurant will be in their place sharing local food seasonal based recipes.

Enjoy these last few days of late summer.

Brent

Free Horse Manure

2011-09-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

For all of you gardeners / urban farmers out there, I have a friend with a continuous supply of horse manure, who would love it if you took off her hands and nourished your gardens, lawns, trees, bushes, and all other green things with it. The manure is in southwest Roanoke county and in an easy spot to load.

Please contact:

Suzie Whiteside

353-2205

Cheers,

Brent

West End Community Market 9/20

2011-09-20T09:29:00.001-07:00

Well we went from summer to fall overnight. The last few peaches are being replaced by a growing variety of apples, and we'll start to see more of those cool weather greens as summer favorites like tomatoes and peppers begin to fade away. As always our Community Markets are rain or shine, so we will be open today at 3:00pm, regardless of the grey skies. We may be inside of the old Villa Sorrento building, so if you don't see the tents on Patterson Ave., just look for the bright red signs leading the way.

Cheers,

Brent

GVCM 9/17: Bring Your E-Waste!

2011-09-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

This Saturday when you're headed to the Grandin Village Community Market, please remember to bring your E-waste to be recycled. It's free, the E-waste will be recycled responsibly in the U.S., and it's a great way to keep toxic chemicals out of our landfills and groundwater, while removing old, unused, and unwanted electronics from your home or office. Recyclables will be accepted from 8am - 2pm.

For more information please visit the Co-op's website. wwww.roanokenaturalfoods.coop

Grandin Village Community Market 9/10

2011-09-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

The GVCM will be back to full sail tomorrow, with Border Springs, Glories of the Sun, and Local Seafood Delivery returning, to join the rest of our Community Market crew.

These cooler nights and shorter days remind us that the season of summer bounty is slowly changing over to fall and it's own list of local goodies. So get those peaches while they last, but have no fear, because the apple season is just getting started. That's the beauty of eating locally and seasonally, we learn to anticipate and truly love these brief windows of time when our favorite foods are at their peak flavor and abundance.

Cheers,

Brent

PLEASE HELP

2011-09-08T11:37:00.001-07:00

Heather Quintana and Happy Healthy Cooks need some volunteer help ASAP! See below.

Hi friends,

I need your help. As Happy Healthy Cooks is gearing up for a great start in four schools this year, I learned this week that my base of high school volunteers will no longer be available. The school has changed their schedule and they no longer have their mid-day break!

I need your help to recruit more volunteers. Are their people from your work, your church, your gym, your dinner club, your group of friends who might be willing to volunteer with us? Or who might be good connectors?

Volunteers need not know how to cook – all volunteers will learn about nutrition and gain skills, taste delicious healthful food, and have fun with the kids! It’s like getting free nutrition and cooking lessons!

Specifically we need:

7+ more volunteers for VA Heights (Wednesdays from 11:15 –12:30)

2+ more volunteers for Grandin Court (Tuesdays from 11:15 – 12:30)

and

2+ more volunteers for Lincoln Terrace (Thursdays from 11:45 – 1:00)

Training begins next week and our first lesson begins the following week (Week of Sept 18)

I’ve attached the program calendar – there will of course be a week or two when a volunteer can’t make it, please do not let that keep you from volunteering with us. ALSO, if someone is available every other session, we can make that work, too!

Happy Healthy Cooks is an in-school program for 2nd graders at some Roanoke City elementary schools. We teach kids about nutrition in a fun, hands-on environment, we taste all kinds of delicious healthful food, and we cook in the classroom. It is amazing and so rewarding to see these “picky eaters” ask for 2nds and 3rds of kale, tofu, lentils and other fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes! Volunteering with us is like getting 24 free nutrition and cooking lessons, with the bonus of knowing you are doing something great for your community!

PLEASE pass this on to anyone you think might be interested in helping, or who might know people who can help.

Thank you!

Heather

Heather Quintana

Director, Happy Healthy Cooks

Certified Health Coach

Corporate Healthy Living Consultant

Member, American Association of Drugless Practitioners

H: 540-904-1159

C: 540-314-2375

http://HappyHealthyCooks.blogspot.com

Rain or Shine 9/6

2011-09-06T08:21:00.001-07:00

Both of our Community Markets are rain or shine, but fortunately for us and you, the West End Community Market has the luxury of a dry, warm, and colorfully painted indoor location. So to answer a couple of questions that I've received this morning, yes the WECM will be open today from 3:00 - 6:00 pm, but we'll be inside in the "winter market" building.

Bob and Jeanine Keitzer from the GVCM will join us today and GFGP will have fresh Weathertop Farm chickens.

Grandin Village Community & Arts Market 9/3

2011-09-02T07:52:00.000-07:00

Yep, tomorrow is the first Saturday of the month and that means the Community Market will be joined by our Arts & Crafts vendors and live music. The Arts Market can be found in front of Valley Bank on Grandin Rd. and down the alley between Valley Bank and the Co-Op, from 9am - 1pm.

Well the good news is that there's a new addition to the Community Market and Border Springs Farm family, the bad news is that Border Springs will not be at the market this Saturday, but plans to return next week.

Charlie Counts with Local Seafood Delivery will fill their space tomorrow with fresh North Carolina seafood. In addition Bramble Hollow Farm is joining us with pasture raised pork and chickens.

Wes with Glories of the Sun bouquets is on vacation this Sat, but will return next week.

Good Food Good People will have fresh Weathertop Farm chickens tomorrow.

Kick off your Labor Day weekend with fresh local fare from your Community Market.

Community Market Update

2011-08-24T08:03:00.001-07:00

This Friday, we'll host the Grandin Chillage in the Community Market parking lot, beginning at 5:30. Swing by for a local beer, and some live music, and support Feeding America.

On Saturday the usual suspects will be at the GVCM. As of now, Border Springs is scheduled to be there, but the impending new baby caused them to leave early last Saturday and the baby is still calling the shots, so their presence is pending. Charlie Counts will be there with fresh North Carolina seafood.

The hurricane maybe on the way, but the GVCM is rain or shine, and we certainly need the rain.

Now that we have our EBT tokens, we can offer gift certificates to our markets. If you'd like to give someone a gift certificate to the Grandin Village and West End Community Markets, just bring cash or a check (made out to LEAP) to either market and see me (Brent Cochran). I'll give you our "market money" in whatever quantity you decide to gift. Our "market money" can be spent at either market anytime, same as cash. What better gift to give than the gift of local food?

Support your local farmers, support your environment, support your local economy, and best of all, support your health.

Farmers Market SNAP-EBT Programs

2011-08-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Lindsey Nair for shining the light on the good work that our regional farmers markets are doing.

http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/296356

West End Community Market 8/16

2011-08-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

Please visit the West End Community Market today between 3:00 and 6:00pm for fresh, local, delicious produce, fruit, meats, cheeses, and ready-to-eat prepared foods. We're located at the West End Center for Youth on Patterson Ave. near the corner of Patterson and 13th Street SW.

"the best way to support them is to patronize them"

2011-08-16T06:54:00.000-07:00

An article recognizing the current and future positive economic impact of farmers markets, CSA's, and other direct marketing local food initiatives.

http://www.good.is/post/new-farmers-markets-provide-health-jobs-boost/

Grandin Village Community Market 8/13

2011-08-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

We'll have a couple of special guests this Sat. at the GVCM. Border Springs Farm will not be at the market, however Charlie Counts with Local Seafood Delivery will be in their space with fresh North Carolina SEAFOOD. Also, Anna Wills with Bramble Hollow Farm will join us with their heritage breed chickens and pasture raised pork.

For more info. on these folks, visit their websites:

http://localseafooddelivery.com/default.aspx

http://www.bramblehollowfarm.com/

As for the rest of the market, our steadfast crew will be there with a bounty of tomatoes, squashes, cukes, zukes, beans, potatoes, carrots, fresh herbs, rainbow trout, grass-fed beef, peaches, nectarines, melons, and much much more.

Just a friendly reminder that we accept SNAP-EBT benefits at both markets and will double those dollars, for twice the good food.

Cheers,

Brent

Thinking Outside of the Food Desert Box

2011-08-08T11:03:00.001-07:00

Here's an innovative idea from some awesome folks who just graduated from my grad. program at BGI (Bainbridge Graduate Institute).

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1855679849/stockbox-grocers-good-food-where-you-live

Can Local Foods Succeed in Southwestern VA?

2011-08-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

It's the $1,000,000 question.

http://therevivalist.info/local-food-appalachia/

GVCM - Arts Market - & One More Reason to Support Local Pasture Meat Farmers

2011-08-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

Tomorrow morning marks our third Arts Market, to be held in conjunction with the Community Market. The Arts Market will feature a growing cadre local artists, crafters, and music by Monica and Erin, our personal community market favorites. The Arts Market will be streetside on Grandin Rd. in front of Valley Bank and down the alley between Valley Bank and the Co-op, and will be open from 9am-1pm.

Local Roots restaurant will be our featured guest at the Community Market. You can find them in Catawba Valley's normal space, as Betty will be on vacation this week. 'Tis the season of bounty and the market is overflowing with peaches, melons, blackberries, corn, too many varieties of heirloom tomatoes to even try and count, squash, cukes, zukes, beans, rainbow chard, early season apples, and the list goes on.

We're also very fortunate to have a handful of folks in our region, and some selling at our markets, who are producing poultry, beef, pork, and lamb 100% on open pasture without using hormones, antibiotics, or other unnatural practices. Thankfully these hardworking farmers give us healthy and ethical alternatives to industrial meat products.

http://www.npr.org/2011/08/05/139014983/salmonella-strain-in-turkey-recall-resists-antibiotics

Brent

West End Community Market 8/2

2011-08-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

Tomorrow afternoon at the West End Community Market, Good Food Good People will have FRESH CHICKENS from Weathertop farm. They're also carrying a full line of Curtin's Dairy goat cheeses.

The market will be packed with a wide variety of heirloom tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers, egg plants, squashes, peaches, melons, blackberries, and much more.

Thank you for your continued support of our Community Market efforts.

Brent

Farewell to Ginger Hillery & Family

2011-08-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

We bid Ginger Hillery and her family farewell and wish them the best of luck in Texas. Ginger's positive spirit, good humor, and out-of-this-world bread will be dearly missed.

http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/294008

Brent

Food Deserts in Roanoke

2011-07-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to the Roanoke Times for bringing this fact to light. This is why we opened the West End Community Market, accept and double EBT bucks, and plan to continue spreading local foods within the city, so we ALL have access to healthy food options for a healthier community.

http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/293918

Grandin Village Community Market 7/30

2011-07-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Howdy Folks,

I hope everyone is beating the summer heat, and there's no better way to do it than a visit to your favorite farmers market, whichever and wherever that maybe. Fresh melons, peaches, cucumbers, and blackberries are all very cooling to the digestive and circulatory system. That's why they're ripe and abundant right now, when we all need refreshing, hydrating, and cooling foods.

Good Food Good People will have FRESH CHICKENS tomorrow morning. These birds are raised by Weathertop Farm and the Brights in Floyd and are 100% pasture raised, free-roaming, and are never fed hormones or antibiotics. These usually sell out fast, so swing by early if you want one of these summer delicacies for dinner.

We'll have two special guests tomorrow; Al Hubbard with the Healthy Stuff Cakery will be promoting his restaurant which is just up the street from the market and selling some of his delicious baked treats, and Charlie Counts with Local Seafood Delivery is rejoining us with FRESH North Carolina coast SEAFOOD.

Once again we are excepting SNAP-EBT benefits and are doubling those EBT dollars for twice the good local food.

I hope to see you all and many new faces tomorrow at the GVCM.

Brent

Viva Organic?

2011-07-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/07/20/138534183/organic-foods-have-broad-appeal-but-costs-temper-demand

West End Community Market 7/19

2011-07-19T08:27:00.001-07:00

'Tis the season for peaches, blackberries, and that icon of summer, the incredible tomato, so enjoy these bundles of sunshine while they last. Bramble Hollow Farm will be at the WECM today with FRESH and frozen pasture raised HERITAGE BREED CHICKENS, as well as their signature pasture pork. Curtin's Dairy can no longer join our Tuesday market, but fortunately Good Food Good People is now carrying their delicious goat cheese, so we can all get our mid-week fix.

Leila Creasy will return today with fresh pasture raised eggs and delicious baked goods, including gluten free delights.

We plan to set-up outside as usual today, but if heavy storms loom, you can find us inside the old Villa Sorrento building.

Cheers,

Brent

The Town that Food Saved

2011-07-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

http://www.npr.org/2011/07/15/137499585/vermont-towns-food-focus-still-a-growing-concept

Grandin Village Community Market 7/16

2011-07-14T11:31:00.001-07:00

Greetings,

The bad news is that Border Springs Farm will not be at the GVCM this Saturday with their delicious certified Humane lamb. The good news is that Charlie with the Local Seafood Delivery Company will be in their place with fresh seafood, harvested on Wed., from the North Carolina coast. For more info. about Charlie's Salem based company and what he'll have in his coolers on Saturday morning, visit his website. http://localseafooddelivery.com/default.aspx

The heat of summer is in full swing and with that your favorite farmers have corn, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers, peaches, nectarines, beans, cantaloupe, watermelon, blackberries, and many more fresh local goodies.

Also the Katuah Ecological School is hosting a workshop this Saturday on how to build Cob Houses. Participants are meeting on Saturday morning behind the Co-op. Please visit their website for more info. http://katuahschool.com/2011/07/04/cob-building-workshop/

'Tis the season for eating cooling foods like peaches, watermelons, and cucumbers, so if you want to beat the heat, swing by the market this Saturday morning from 8am - 12noon.

Cheers,

Brent

The Many Virtues of Homegrown Tomatoes

2011-07-10T13:00:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting story about the modern industrial tomato, and just one more reason to grow your own, visit your local farmers market, or join a CSA.

http://www.npr.org/2011/07/09/137623954/the-troubled-history-of-the-supermarket-tomato

GVCM Independence Weekend

2011-07-01T12:17:00.000-07:00

Greetings Fellow Independence Day Celebrators,

Tomorrow marks the first Saturday of the month, which means that from 9am - 1pm the Arts Market will be next door to the Community Market, showcasing local artists, crafters, and live music.

The Community Market will be overflowing with summer's bounty as the fruit ferries arrive, bringing rasp, black, and blueberries, plus delicious sun-ripened tree fruit like peaches, nectarines, and early season Lodi apples.

Those summer favorites, such as vine-ripened heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, squash, and green beans are coming on strong and will fill our vendors tables and your bellies for the next few weeks.

Good Food Good People and special guest, Bramblehollow Farm, will have fresh free-roaming, pasture raised, grass-fed chickens.

As always, there's plenty of beef, lamb, pork, and trout ready for your 4th of July cook out.

Let's celebrate our Independence by freely choosing to support our small family farm neighbors, our local economy, and our personal and community health with a fun filled trip to your favorite Community Market.

I wish everyone a safe and joyous holiday.

Feel free to drop me a line with questions, concerns, comments, area of improvement, etc.

Brent@LEAPforlocalfood.org

Grandin Village Community Market 6/25

2011-06-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

Greetings Locavores,

Swing by the GVCM location this evening for some local beer, wine, and rockin' music, for the first Grandin Chillage. But don't have too much fun, because the GVCM will be open and overflowing with our local bounty from 8am - 12noon.

What will you find at the market tomorrow?

Heirloom tomatoes, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, corn, new potatoes, green beans, peppers, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, garlic, artisanal bread, sweet treat baked goods, cow and goat cheese, fresh roasted coffee, fresh and smoked trout, and much much more. As always, everything is local, produced within 100 miles, and seasonal. So swing by and satisfy your taste buds, bolster your health, and support your favorite farmers.

Brent

West End Community Market 6/21

2011-06-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Summer Solstice Everyone!

We're proud to announce that we're now accepting SNAP-EBT benefits at both of our markets. But even better, we have a dollar-for-dollar matching program which means $2 for $1 for every EBT dollar spent. That's right, thanks to the Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, the law firm of Glenn, Feldmann, Darby & Goodlatte, and the Ceres Foundation, we have free money for fresh local food for those who need it most.

We'll kick off the official start of summer today with blueberries, raspberries, the end of the cherries, the first tomatoes and corn of the season, beans, squash, cucumbers, new potatoes, fresh herbs, pasture raised chicken, beef, and pork, goat cheese, and hot prepare foods like empenadas.

Get outside and enjoy the longest day of the year.

Brent

Grandin Village Community Market 6/18

2011-06-17T14:01:00.001-07:00

Howdy Folks,

As we approach the summer solstice, the first signs of those traditional sunshine crops are appearing. The strawberries and cherries are on their way out, with blueberries and raspberries filling their void. The abundance of fresh greens are being replaced with green beans, squash and zucchini, tomatoes, new potatoes, and corn on the cob.

As always we'll have pastured lamb, pork, beef, and chicken. Plus fresh and smoked rainbow trout and goat cheese.

Charlie with Local Seafood Delivery will join us again at the Manager's Table with FRESH SEAFOOD from the North Carolina coast.

I hope to see you all and many new faces tomorrow morning.

Thank you for your continued support of local food and our local economy.

Brent

West End Community Market 6/14

2011-06-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

We'd like to thank the First Lady of Virginia, Maureen McDonnell, for deeming the West End Community Market the best health and wellness initiative in the commonwealth and for visiting the market yesterday morning.

Well folks, get outside and enjoy this beautiful weather while it lasts. Myself and the rest of the West End Community Market gang will do just that this afternoon from 3:00-6:00pm. Curtin's Dairy and Betsy Stewartson will not be with us today. However, Anna Wills of Bramble Hollow Farm will join us with fresh and frozen heritage breed chickens. Bramble Hollow is one of the very few farms in our region raising these heritage breeds, which are absolutely delicious. Having Bramble Hollow at the market is a real treat, so swing by and learn a little about heritage chickens and take home a piece of history.

The Wrights flourishing garden is showing the first signs of summer, with the first vine ripened tomatoes of the year, beans, new potatoes, and even summer squash. There are still a few greens to be had as we transition from spring to summer.

Good Food Good People will have their normal varietal abundance, plus the last of the strawberries and cherries 'til next spring.

Rita & Joe Burge with Sedulous Seed with have their ever expanding menu of ready to eat prepared foods, so if you don't feel like cooking dinner, but still want something local and healthy, then they've got you and your family covered.

Kris Peckman with Ferguson Farm will have eggs, summer squash and cucumbers, and some remaining greens.

Clean fresh air and clean fresh food, what more could one ask for?

West End Community Market 5/31

2011-05-31T06:25:00.000-07:00

Kick off summer with some local goodies from the WECM this afternoon. This heat spells the end of our early season produce and the transition into famed summer crops. Kris Peckman with Ferguson Farm will not be here today while they make this transition between seasons and ready themselves for future harvests.

Otherwise the usual cast of characters will brave the heat this afternoon, so you can fill your bellies with the best local fare.

What will you find at the WECM today?

Strawberries and the first cherries of the season.

The last of the spring greens crop.

Beets, radishes, snow peas, and lettuces.

Seedlings for your garden.

Fresh bread and other baked goods.

Tamales & chimichangas.

Goat cheese.

Grass-fed free-range pork, beef, and FRESH CHICKENS.

Plenty o' Protein at the GVCM 5/28

2011-05-26T12:12:00.000-07:00

Kick off the unofficial start of summer this weekend with a morning excursion to the GVCM. We'll have our usual vendors plus a special guest with FRESH CAROLINA COAST SEAFOOD. Seafood is the only item that we allow to be sourced regionally, as Carolina and Chesapeake seafood is our local connection. Charlie with Local Seafood Delivery, www.localseafooddelivery.com, with have fresh scallops, tuna, snapper, grouper, and flounder from the North Carolina coast, just in time for your Memorial Day cook out.

We'd also like to welcome the Rick family with Sandy River Pork from southside, VA.

To round out our protein for the big cook out weekend, Good Food Good People will have FRESH CHICKENS from the Weathertop and Bright farms in Floyd. These chickens are free roaming, pasture raised, and are never given hormones or antibiotics.

Otherwise we'll have our normal cast of characters with plenty of fresh produce, the first fruit of the year, baked goods, and prepared foods. The summer heat spells a seasonal transition for the market, so our beloved spring greens will slowly begin to give way to a new round of summer crops. So swing by between 8am-12noon and see what the season and our hard working farmers are providing, just for you.

West End Community Market 5/24

2011-05-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

The West End Community Market will be open this afternoon from 3:00-6:00pm. It looks like the weather will cooperate with us, so we'll be under the tents on Patterson Ave. We'll have fresh tamales, chimichangas, greens such as arugula, kale, spinach, salad mix, and lettuces, spring onions, heirloom seedlings, goat cheese and soap, and grass-fed meats, including FRESH CHICKENS from the Bright and Weathertop farms in Floyd. These chickens are 100% free-range, pasture raised, grass-fed, never given hormones or antibiotics. They're healthy and delicious. I hope to see you all and some new faces this afternoon.

Thanks,

Brent

A Wet West End Today 5/17

2011-05-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

Despite the impending rain and thunder, the West End Community Market will ride on. We'll be open from 3:00-6:00pm and will most likely be inside of the old Villa Sorrento building where it's dry and warm.

Thanks,

Brent

West End Community Market 5/10

2011-05-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

Howdy Folks,

Just a reminder that the West End Community Market will be open this afternoon from 3:00-6:00pm. We have a strong market this year with organic produce, fresh strawberries, baked goods, free-range meats, prepared foods, heirloom seedlings for your garden and much more. So swing by for some local goodies.

Also the season is coming on strong and our full cast of characters has joined us at the GVCM. We'd like to welcome Border Springs Farm and their certified humane lamb to the market for the season. The GVCM will be open this Saturday from 8am-12noon.

Brent

West End Community Market 5/3

2011-05-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

It looks like the storms will hold off just long enough for us to enjoy a tuesday afternoon market.

Who will be there?

Good Food Good People - Floyd

Otterdale Farm (Betsy Stewartson) - Bedford

The Professor's Garden (the Wrights) - Roanoke County

Ferguson Farm (Kris Peckman) - Franklin County

Dancing Chicken Farm (Leila Creasy) - Bedford

Curtin's Dairy (Michael & Cindy Curtin) - Rocky Mount

Sedulous Seed (Joe & Rita Burge) - Montgomery County

What will they have?

Seedlings for your garden, spinach, kale, collards, bok choy, lettuces, salad mix, green onions, asparagus, radishes, and fresh herbs.

Free-range grass-fed eggs, pork, and beef.

Gluten free baked goods.

Goat cheese.

Honey.

Tamales, chimichangas, and empanadas.

Please come out and support these hardworking folks, support your local economy, and satisfy your belly.

Thanks,

Brent

Grandin Village Community Market 4/30

2011-04-29T13:15:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

Many thanks to all of you who came out last Saturday for the season opener of the GVCM. It was a huge success for our farmers, which equals a success for our local economy, our environment, and our community.

We'll have a full house tomorrow with your favorite regulars, plus some special guests. While we're waiting on our bakers to join us, we'll have plenty of protein tomorrow as Border Springs Farms joins us with lamb, and Sandy River Farm joins us with pork and beef. Our other special guest with be the Dancing Chicken Farm with free-range eggs and gluten-free baked delights.

Otherwise the name of the game is fresh spring greens of all sorts; spinach, lettuces, chard, kale, etc., plus asparagus, shitake mushrooms, radishes, fresh herbs, spring onions, and much more. The growing season is off to a good start with much more to come throughout the year.

The weather is supposed to be beautiful tomorrow, so I hope to see y'all and some new faces in the morning.

Thanks,

Brent

A Step in the Right Direction

2011-04-28T06:16:00.000-07:00

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/04/27/135771070/new-usda-rule-encourages-schools-to-partner-with-local-farms?ps=sh_sthdl

An excellent point made in this article by Alice Waters. Just because people have access to fresh, healthy, and in our mission's case, local food doesn't mean that they want it or even know what to do with it. I certainly see this here in our community. If you're subscribed to this blog, then you probably know the win-win situation with procuring and eating local foods. I'd love to hear your thoughts on why you support local food and why you think others, even those with the means and education, do not.

You may send me an email if you prefer.

Thanks,

Brent

Brent@LEAPforlocalfood.org

Grandin Village Community Market GRAND REOPENING!

2011-04-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

Greetings Locavores,

The GVCM will open this Saturday, April 23rd, at 8am and be open each and every Saturday, rain or shine, from 8am-12noon through the end of October. You can find us just a hop, skip, and a jump from the corner of Grandin Rd. and Westover Ave., behind the Surf & Turf Restaurant on the elevated parking deck. Just look for the white tents and happy people with bags full of local love.

It's a little early in the season, so we won't have our full cast of farmers and food purveyors, by we'll still have a vibrant and diverse market.

FYI, Earth Day festivities will last through out the day in the Grandin Village and just up the street at Grandin Gardens. Also, the Hurt Park Community Garden will host it's ground breaking ceremony at 10am, and will be attended by the mayor and members of city council. You can find the Community Garden on Salem Ave. just west of the Hurt Park Elementary School. If I can sneak away from the market, I hope to attend the "official" opening of this beautiful community asset.

Who and what will be at the Market?

Good Food Good People, Floyd:

Plenty of spring greens (kale, spinach, salad mix, chard, etc.) shitake mushrooms, pasture raised beef, pork, and eggs, honey, and much more.

The Professor's Garden (The Wrights), Roanoke County:

An abundance Seedlings ready for your garden, fresh spring greens, leeks, green onions, and maybe a loaf or two of delicious homemade bread.

Ojai Farm & Curtin's Dairy, Franklin County:

Ojai & Curtin's Dairy will share a space this season and offer Ojai Farm's Bio-grown produce and Curtin's Dairy goat and cow cheeses.

AAH Organics, Botetourt County:

Bob and Jeanine will have baked goods, pasture pork and beef, pasture eggs, and preserves.

Catawba Valley Farm, Catawba:

Betty Bailey with have Bio-grown herbs and produce through out the season, with spring greens being the "vegetable du jour."

Joe & Rita Burge, Montgomery County:

The Burge's will have their signature tamales, chimichangas, empenadas, plus some goodies for your sweet tooth, like double chocolate espresso brownies.

Otterdale Farm, Bedford County:

I hope Betsy Stewartson can join us with her seedlings and fresh greens, but she may not be able to make the market.

Glories of the Sun, Roanoke County:

Wesley Wyatt returns with his beautiful organically grown floral bouquets.

Big Pine Trout & Provisions, New Castle:

Big Pine will have fresh and smoked trout, plus prepared foods from their downtown restaurant and commissary.

Thistle Dew Farm, Charlotte County:

Paul Carter will have early season produce, i.e. greens, from the piedmont region and possibly some foraged mushrooms.

Bramble Hollow Farm, Bedford County:

Anna Wills will have pasture raised pork and eggs.

Border Springs Farm, Patrick County:

Border Springs will have their signature pasture raised lamb.

I hope to see you all and many new faces on Saturday morning.

Happy Easter,

Brent

www.LEAPforlocalfood.org

WECM & The Grandin Village Community Market Reopens for 2011

2011-04-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

The WECM will be open tomorrow, Tuesday, from 3:00-6:00pm. and, weather permitting, make its first venture outdoors after a long indoor winter.

Good Food Good People, Curtins Dairy, Joe Burge, Kris Peckman, Betsy Stewartson, and the Wrights will all be there tomorrow.

Several vendors have a wide variety of organic seedlings ready for your garden, there are plenty of greens such as kale, spinach, chard, and salad greens, plus pasture raised eggs, pork, and beef, and prepared foods that are hot and ready to eat.

As always the WECM is located at the West End Center for Youth on the corner of Patterson Ave. and 13th Street SW.

This Saturday April 23rd, in celebration of Earth Day, the Grandin Village Community Market will reopen for the 2011 season at 8am and be open every Saturday rain or shine from 8am - 12noon. The GVCM is located on Westover Ave. behind the Surf & Turf restaurant, in the upper parking deck. If you walk behind the Co-op and look up, you can't miss the white tents.

Also, on Saturday morning, the Hurt Park Community Garden will officially open with a ground breaking ceremony at 10am. The Community Garden is located on Salem Ave. near the Hurt Park Elementary school.

I hope to see you all and many others tomorrow afternoon and Saturday morning.

Brent

Just One More Reason to Know Your Farmer

2011-04-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/04/15/135435291/1-in-4-supermarket-meat-samples-tainted-with-drug-resistant-bacteria?ps=sh_sthdl

Why is conventional meat in the grocery store full of antibiotics, hormones, and bacteria? Because these animals are kept in heavily confined unsanitary quarters and fed unnatural diets and supplements to stimulate rapid growth, creating an environment of unhealthy animals ripe for bacterial growth. It's not surprising that bacteria are becoming resistant to these overly used drugs.

Just one more reason to know your farmer and support those who raise their animals humanely, on pasture, and without the use of antibiotics or hormones.

I'll get off of my soap box now, but remember every dollar you spend is a vote for something. So what and who are you voting for everyday?

Brent

Rain or Shine

2011-04-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

Rain or shine, the WECM will be open today from 3;00-6:00pm. at the West End Center for Youth, on the corner of Patterson Ave. and 13th Street SW. We'll be inside today, so just look for the bright red market signs pointing the way. We'll move outside at the beginning of May.

What will you find?

GFGP will not be there, but will rejoin us on the 19th, and will soon join us for the entire season.

Bramble Hollow Farm will join us for the first time. Bramble Hollow is a small family pasture pork and poultry operation out of Bedford County. Anna will have fresh eggs, various pork cuts, and homemade bread. For more info: http://www.bramblehollowfarm.com/

Kris Peckman will have spinach, kale, and fresh eggs.

The Wrights will have a variety of seedlings, plus fresh greens and spring onions.

Betsy Stewartson will also have a variety of seedlings, plus fresh greens, and is offering a discount on seedlings to all members of the Roanoke Community Garden Association.

Joe Burge will have his usual array of hot and ready-to-eat prepared foods.

I hope to see y'all and some new faces this afternoon.

Brent

West End Community Market Grand Reopening

2011-04-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, April 5th, marks the West End Community Market's "official" reopening for the 2011 season. The WECM will be open every Tuesday from 3:00 - 6:00 or later depending on foot traffic and availability of goods.

Kris Peckman from Ferguson Farm in Franklin County is returning tomorrow with fresh spinach, kale, collards, and arugula, and will soon have fresh eggs.

Good Food Good People from Floyd will join us with their usual cornucopia of local fare, including the always popular Weathertop Farm eggs. Tomorrow only, they'll have a limited supply of berry bushes and fruit trees ready to be planted in your back yard and enjoyed for years to come.

Betsy Stewartson from Bedford will have seedlings, greens, and fresh bread.

The Wrights from Roanoke County will have seedlings ready for the garden and fresh greens.

The Curtins from Franklin County will have goat cheese and handmade goat's milk soap.

Last but certainly not least, our graphic designer/tamale guru extraordinaire Joe Burge will have his ready to eat treats, perfect for a quick and healthy dinner or lunch the next day.

Beginning next week, April 12th, Bramble Hollow Farm from Bedford will join us with their pasture raised eggs and pork, with chickens coming in May.

As this season of bounty grows, so to will the vendors and selection at our 100% local markets, so swing by and see what our local farmers and food purveyors have to offer, and do your part to support our local economy.

Thank you in advance for supporting local foods this season.

Brent

Women Farmers Plowing Ahead in the U.S.

2011-03-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting story from NPR about the growing trend of women farmers in the U.S.

http://www.npr.org/2011/03/30/134979252/u-s-sees-more-female-farmers-cropping-up

City Backed Community Gardens?

2011-03-30T06:45:00.000-07:00

While Community Gardens are sprouting all over the country, including right here in the Roanoke Valley thanks to the Roanoke Community Garden Association, few are directly supported by their municipalities. But just down the road in Richmond, the city is directly supporting the Community Garden movement by providing the most basic necessity and often biggest hurdle for Community Gardens, land.

Roanoke as the second city in the commonwealth to adopt a city supported Community Garden approach? One can only hope.

http://www.richmondgov.com/CommunityGarden/

Thanks to Ron McCorkle for passing this info. along.

Despite the cold rain, the WECM will be warm, cozy, and dry so swing by and support some life long community gardeners of the Roanoke Valley.

Cheers,

Brent

Last Wednesday Market

2011-03-29T07:33:00.000-07:00

Greetings Lovers of Spring,

Tomorrow will mark our final Wednesday market at the WECM. After many requests from Wednesday night church goers, we're moving the market to Tuesdays beginning next week. Tomorrow afternoon the Wrights will have seedlings for your garden and delicious spring greens, Joe Burge will have his homemade baked goods and prepared foods, and the Curtins of Curtin's Dairy will have variety of goat cheeses and soaps.

We're preparing the beds in the market parking lot for an exciting spring class that will teach the children of the West End Center about food, gardening, and basic plant biology. So keep an eye on the beds over the next two months as the children begin their green thumb adventure.

Ground has been broken on the Hurt Park Community Garden, just a couple of blocks from the WECM, and gardeners are gearing up for their inaugural year. If you're interested in a garden plot or would like to volunteer please contact the Roanoke Community Garden Association.

http://www.roanokecommunitygarden.org/

Time to Play in the Dirt!

2011-03-23T08:51:00.001-07:00

Greetings Spring Gardners,

Today at the West End Community Market from 3:00-6:00pm., the Wrights from Roanoke County will have a wide variety of early season seedlings ready for your garden. Now's the time to plant those greens and brassicias. The Wrights have been growing in this area for decades and are a wealth of knowledge if you have any questions concerning your garden. They'll also have plenty o' fresh greens for eating.

Joining them will be Joe Burge with his expanding menu of prepared foods and Kris Peckman of Ferguson Farm with kale and creasy greens.

Just a reminder that the West End Community Market will "officially" reopen on Tuesday April 5th. That's right we're moving from Wednesdays to Tuesdays, same bat time, same bat place.

The Grandin Village Community Market will reopen on Saturday April 23rd, Earth Day, at 8am. and be open every Saturday through the end of October.

Cheers,

Brent

West End Community Market 3/9

2011-03-08T17:05:00.001-08:00

Howdy Folks,

Longer days and warmer temps have some green things sprouting in our local gardens, and fortunately for all of us, the folks who tend these gardens are anxious to share this early spring bounty.

Tomorrow between 3:00-6:00pm. at the West End Community Market, the Wrights will have a variety of early season greens such as spinach, tatsoi, turnip, kale, and more. They'll be joined by Good Food Good People with fresh eggs, local grass-fed meats, honey, apples, and much more. Finishing off the list is the ever-present Joe Burge with his now famous tamales, chimichangas, and decadent sweet treats.

So brave the rain and enjoy shopping in our dry heated indoor market, for some truly fresh and truly local goods.

Brent

West End Community Market 2/23

2011-03-01T16:32:00.000-08:00

They'll be a couple of folks at the West End Community Market tomorrow between 3:00 and 6:00pm. who are just choppin' at the bit and can't wait until next week for the market.

The Wrights of the Professor's Garden in Roanoke county and Joe Burge with Tamales & More will be inside of the old Villa Sorrento building tomorrow afternoon. So swing by for some early season greens and ready to eat prepared foods with a Guatemalan twist.

West End Community Market 2/23

2011-02-22T14:13:00.000-08:00

Howdy Folks,

The spring like weather of the last few days and the progressively longer daylight hours have given a little boost to a few green things in the fields of some of our farmers and they'd like to share this late winter bounty with you tomorrow afternoon.

Tomorrow between 3:00 and 6:00pm. at the West End Community Market, you'll find Joe Burge with his tamales and other prepared foods, Kris Peckman with plenty o' fresh greens, and the Wrights with fresh greens and other local delights.

After swinging by the market and playing a starring role in our local food economy, head on over to Hollins for a screening of the local food documentary "Ingredients," which will be shown in the Hollins library at 7:00pm. For more info. on the film visit the website.

http://www.ingredientsfilm.com/

Cheers,

Brent

West End Community Market 2/9

2011-02-09T04:01:00.000-08:00

Greetings All,

Tenley Weaver of Good Food Good People and Joe Burge of Tamales & More will be at the West End Community Market location inside of the old Villa Sorrento building this afternoon from 3:00-6:00pm. Word on the street says that Tenley has some fresh organic greens from her home farm, plus a variety of local and regional cheeses, local pasture raised meats, and since it's winter and local pickin's are slim, she'll have a few non-local, but delicious items. Have no fear, our go local or go home motto will return in a couple of months with the return of life in the soil. As always Joe will have a variety of prepared foods, such as his signature tamales and chimichangas plus something for your sweet tooth; maybe espresso chocolate brownies....

Unfortunately Kris Peckman of Ferguson Farm does not have enough greens to come to market, 'tis the season for limited local supplies.

Swing on by the West End this afternoon and support these die hards who refuse to let winter slow down their quest for a year round local food economy.

Brent

Winter Bravery at the West End 1/12/11

2011-01-12T08:10:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

Tenley Weaver, the fearless leader of Good Food Good People will be at the West End Community Market location, inside where it's nice and warm, with an abundance of local and regional items. That's right, I said something other than 100% local. No our standards have gone to the dark side, but local goods are limited this time of year, so I'm making the exception for die hard vendors such as Tenley for these lean winter months. Have no fear, as soon as spring rolls around, we'll go by to our 100% local dogmatism. Tenley will have grass-fed meats, regional cheeses, kale from North Carolina, root vegetables, plus some sweet treats such as baby cheesecakes and chocolate chip cookies.

Joe Burge is the other fearless vendor joining Tenley this afternoon. Joe will have his almost world famous tamales, chimichangas, espresso brownies, and many more prepared foods, ready for dinner or perfect for tomorrow's lunch.

So swing by the West End Community Market location this afternoon between 3:00 and 6:00, ooh and aah at the Mediterranean mural, support these die-hard local producers, and take home some delicious and nutritious goodies.

Stay Warm,

Brent

2011 Here We Come!

2011-01-05T08:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all,

The West End Community Market held the last official Winter Market last Wednesday the 29th. Old Man Winter set in early and hard this year and ended any thoughts of continuing the market on a weekly basis throughout the remainder of the winter. Unfortunately our vendors just don't have enough stuff to continue coming to market every week. I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of you who continue to support our Community Markets by showing up and voting with your dollars for local agriculture and your local economy each and every week. I also want to thank our sponsors, the Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op and the law firm of Glenn, Feldman, Darby & Goodlatte, as well as our partner, the West End Center for Youth for their continued support. 2010 was a great year for local foods in our valley and we couldn't have done it without all of you. Thank you.

We will not have a market today. I know, I know, I had a minor panic attack as well when I realized that all of my fresh greens, bread, eggs, cheese, and apples were gone and for the first time in 8 months I don't have the option of swinging by the market to restock my fridge with fresh, local, organic goodies. What will we do until May?

Have no fear lovers of the local, we have a few options remaining......

Next Wednesday the 12th, Good Food Good People will set up at the West End Community Market location, inside from 3:00-6:00pm.. They may be joined by Kris Peckman with her baskets o' greens and Joe Burge with tamales and more, but I will post this info. when confirmed. GFGP will have their usual overflowing market table, but their primary purpose is delivering pre-ordered items from the "A La Carte" Menu. This menu features a variety of local products such as grass-fed meats, pastured eggs, regional cheeses, bulk fruit and produce, and much, much more. GFGP will deliver A La Carte orders twice a month, every other Wednesday, until the normal weekly schedule resumes in the spring. If you'd like more info, email gfgpalacarte@swva.net.

The downtown Farmers Market is still in operation and our very own Kris Peckman of Ferguson Farm can be found there every Saturday morning throughout the winter with Jack Ferguson's famous kale and other greens.

Kathy O'hara and Runnerbean.com have fresh local goods and will remain in operation throughout the winter. Visit her site for more info.

Big Pine Provisions on Campbell Ave. is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm and Saturdays from 9am-1pm, and carries a variety of local goods such as their own fresh and smoked trout, regional cheeses, produce, and much more. Plus Chris Parkhurst prepares delicious locavore lunches Monday-Friday.

If you need any further info. about local foods in our area, have a question, or comment, please email me at Brent@leapforlocalfood.org, visit Roanokevalleylocavore.com, or Leapforlocalfood.org.

I wish you all a blessed New Year and will keep you posted as to the movin's and shakin's of our local food scene as we gear up for another great year.

Brent

Happy Holidays Market 12/22

2010-12-21T18:52:00.000-08:00

Season's Greetings,

The West End Community Market will be open for business tomorrow afternoon between 3:00 and 6:00, and ready to fill your Christmas list. We have some special guests joining us tomorrow; Bridget Decico with her fine artwork and Karen Kessler with her beautiful jewelry. If any of you are like me and still in need of gifts, these two ladies are just what the doctor ordered. You will recognize Bridget and Karen from the Grandin Village Community Market and the more recent Holiday Market during the Grandin Village Open House.

As for edibles....

Good Food Good People with have their usual bounty of greens, apples, asian pears, goat cheese, root crops, and grass-fed pork, beef, eggs, and chicken.

The Wrights will have apple butter, fresh bread, a variety of greens, and my personal favorite, dried hot peppers.

Kris Peckman will have baskets of green curly kale, plus eggs, and butternut squash.

Curtin's Dairy willl have a variety of fresh goat cheeses from their Franklin County dairy.

Bob & Janine will have grass-fed pork and beef, plus soy based candles (great gift idea), baked goods, and a variety of canned items.

Last but certainly not least, Joe Burge will have his authenticly delicious tamales, chimichangas, and much more.

I hope you and yours have a safe and happy Holiday season.

Brent

West End Community Market 12/15

2010-12-15T07:25:00.000-08:00

Well folks it looks like we'll sneak another market in just before the snow arrives in the wee hours of tomorrow morning. Fortunately the West End Community Market indoor location is now heated and nice and toasty.

I've had several folks ask me about the next two holiday weeks. Yes, the market will be open next Wed. and the Wed. between Christmas and New Years.

These unseasonably cold temps have made it hard on our local growers and their season extension, but fortunately we have many local products that are not weather dependent and a few expert greens growers who have some of the tastiest spinach, kale, and other delicious leafy greens.

See y'all there between 3:00-6:00 this afternoon.

Stay Warm,

Brent

West End Community Market 12/8

2010-12-08T07:55:00.000-08:00

Brrrr.... Old Man Winter has arrived.

Thank goodness the market is inside. Well we're running on a light crew today, due to all of those frozen greens in the fields. Most greens are very hearty and thrive in cold weather, but if they freeze, the farmers have to wait until they defrost in the field and rejuvenate their leaves. Otherwise, if they defrosted in your fridge, they'd turn to mush.

Fortunately we have plenty of root veggies and other storage crops, plus grass-fed meats for hearty warming stews, cheese, free-range eggs, tamales, and other prepared foods, which aren't so weather dependent.

Unfortunately we're baker-less today. Neither Ginger nor Betsy will be able to make the market.

So get your booties on, button up those parkas, and visit your favorite Community Market for a little soul warming food.

Brent

Grandin Village Holiday Market

2010-12-03T11:28:00.000-08:00

Howdy Folks,

Pick up local Christmas gifts and tasty local food tomorrow at the special Grandin Village Holiday Market between 12noon and 5:00pm. in the Grandin Village building, where Valley Bank is currently housed. They'll be over 30 vendors with arts, crafts, and local food items, plus live music all afternoon. So check out the Grandin Village Holiday Open House and swing by the Market for some gifts and goodies.

Happy Holidays,

Brent

West End Community Market 12/1

2010-12-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

Holy cow! Where'd 201o go? Happy December everyone!

Well the FDA Food Safety Bill passed with a clear majority. Although there are some specific stipulations for small farmers and direct marketing operations, such as your favorite Community Markets, I'm still skeptical of the long term effects on local foods and small producers in our country. Oh well, we'll just keep doing what we're doing until someone tells we can't do it any more.

This week at the West End Community Market:

Curtin's Dairy is returning with their local goat cheeses. Unfortunately Ginger Hillery will not be back until next Wednesday. Betty Bailey is returning with her Catawba Valley greens and things.

Betsy will have fresh breads, Patchwork Farm will have an assortment of root veggies and fresh greens, as will the Wrights. Good Food Good People will have an assortment of grass-fed meats, fresh produce, and some value added items such as honey and molasses.

Kris Peckman will have her signature baskets-o-greens from the Ferguson Farm and will be joined by her market-next-door-neighbor, Joe Burge will fresh, hot tamales, chimichangas and much more.

So swing by this award winning market, yes we won the FLITE award from First Lady McDonnell for the best health and wellness initiative in the state, take a gander at the beautiful mural, and take home some of our areas finest edibles.

Brent

West End Thanksgiving Extravaganza

2010-11-24T06:56:00.000-08:00

Greetings All,

The West End Community Market will be open today from 3:00-6:00pm. and ready to knock out your Thanksgiving grocery list with 100% fresh, 100% local, 100% delicious veggies, fruit, pastured meats, cheese, baked goods, and much more. The easiest way to prepare an incredible meal is by using the best ingredients, so swing by the market this afternoon, and wow your dinner guests tomorrow.

Baker extraordinaire, Ginger Hillery of Full Circle Farm, is still away visiting her parents, so we'll have to wait one more week for her freshly milled artisanal breads. Have no fear Betsy Stewartson, of Otterdale Farm, will have fresh baked goodies plus a true delicacy, Micro-Greens.

Who else will be there?

Good Food Good People - Floyd

Patchwork Farm - Floyd

Roundhill Farm - Roanoke City (gotta love urban farming)

Curtin's Dairy - these folks have fresh cow and goat cheeses from Franklin County

Ferguson Farm - Franklin County

Aah Organics - Botetourt

The Professor's Garden - Roanoke County

Tamales and More - Montgomery County

Happy Thanksgiving,

Brent

West End Community Market 11/17

2010-11-16T14:10:00.000-08:00

Well after two beautiful Wednesdays in a row, I think we will finally be thankful that we're inside during tomorrow's market.

Ginger Hillery will be absent from the market tomorrow, and next Thursday, while she visits family and enjoys some much needed and deserved rest. But have no fear, you can get your carb fix from Betsy Stewartson who will have a wide array of fresh baked goods, and is rejoining us after a minor illness. Welcome back Betsy!

I would like to give a warm West End welcome to Betty Bailey, our long time organic produce grower from Catawba Valley, and a staple at the Grandin Village Community Market, and to Kurten's Dairy who is joining the Community Market scene for the first time with their fresh cow and goat cheeses made due south of us in Rocky Mount.

All of the same players you've come to know and love will be there with plenty o' greens, root veggies, fresh eggs, pastured beef and pork, freshly prepared foods and much more.

Even if you don't like fresh local delicious food, you should stop by just to see the 360 degree Mediterranean mural inside, or the childrens' garden in the parking lot; both sites are guaranteed to lift your spirits on a dark and dreary day.

So stop by for the magic show, when we turn a defunct old building into a thriving community asset, right before your very eyes.

Happy Eating,

Brent

West End Community Market 11/10

2010-11-09T17:21:00.000-08:00

Greetings Lovers' of the Local,

Tomorrow at the West End Community Market Good Food Good People will have fresh chickens from Mountain Run Farm in Bedford County. These chickens are 100% pasture raised, are hormone and antibiotic free, and their supplemental feed is Virginia grown non-GMO grain. In addition GFGP always has pastured beef and pork from the Brights in Floyd County.

Ginger Hillery, in addition to her delicious fresh breads, will have her first lamb of the fall.

The Professor's Garden, Patchwork Farm, Ferguson Farm, and Catawba Valley Farm, will have an overflowing abundance of greens, root veggies, some hold over tomatoes and peppers, plus apples, pasture raised farm fresh eggs, and goat cheese.

Joe Burge will be our solo prepared foods man with his authentic tamales, chimichangas, fresh hummus, and the o' so delicious pot stickers.

Please stop by and fill your bellies, so these farmers can fill theirs.

Brent

New Locavore Restaurant Now Open!

2010-11-06T07:03:00.000-07:00

There's a new Locavore oriented restaurant now open on Kirk Ave. downtown. LUCKY opened its doors for dinner this week and will be open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Even though Jeff is raising a young family and opening a restaurant, he found the time to voluntarily help me break down the Grandin and West End Markets several times this summer. He's either a robot or a vampire, because I don't know when he sleeps. Thanks Jeff for helping me turn Community Markets back into parking lots, and best of LUCK with the new restaurant.

Brent

Big Pine Provisions Grand Opening!

2010-11-05T06:27:00.000-07:00

Greetings Locavores,

Big Pine Provisions will celebrate its grand opening tomorrow from 9:00am - 1:00pm. at 501 Campbell Ave. This corner space used to house Marie's Caribbean Creole Cuisine and Dogtown Pizza.

Big Pine has been preserving the summer's bounty in frozen pies, preserves, and other canned goods. They'll have their signature fresh and smoked trout, plus other local producer's products such as cheese, tamales, fresh baked goods, and much more.

Swing by on your way to the downtown market and pick up some local goodies.

On another note, Dan Smith with the Valley Business Front kindly included the Winter Market grand opening in his blog this week. Thanks for the post and for the great wide angle photos Dan! I love the mural, that's what sold me on the place from day one. Check it out.

http://fromtheeditr.blogspot.com/

As always you can find more info. on our website: LEAPforlocalfood.org

Be well and stay warm,

Brent

Winter Market Begins!

2010-11-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

Greetings,

Tomorrow afternoon at 3:00pm. we'll launch our first Winter Market at the West End Community Market. You'll find us inside of the old Villa Sorrento restaurant building on Patterson Ave. next to the West End Center for Youth between 3:00 and 6:00pm. every Wednesday.

There's ample parking, a funky 360 degree Mediterranean mural inside, and several local farmers and food producers with plenty of 100% fresh and local goodies.

Contrary to what many people think, many crops thrive during the colder months of the year and can be cultivated through out the winter.

Good Food Good People will be there with a variety of apples, pastured beef, pork, whole chickens, and eggs, Big Pine smoked trout, Walker Mountain goat cheese, fresh greens, potatoes, winter squash, and much more.

Kris Peckman of Ferguson Farm will have plenty o' fresh greens, fresh eggs, and butternut squash.

Ginger Hillery of Full Circle Farm will have her signature freshly milled organic breads and flour.

Betsy Stewartson of Otterdale Farm will have various baked goods plus fresh salad mix and micro-greens.

The Wrights of the Professor's Garden will have fresh greens, the last tomatoes of the season, plus various hot peppers.

Amy Longo of Patchwork will have an abundance of greens and root vegetables as her specialty is organic winter crops.

Joe Burge of Tamales and More will be there will a variety of ready to eat meals such as fresh tamales, chimichangas, pot stickers, and the o' so good espresso brownie.

Having just finished another successful season at the GVCM, a couple of folks are taking a break for this week from marketing, but will be joining us next week.

We hope to keep your Locavore-tooth satisfied well into the winter, so stop by and directly support these hard working folks.

Cheers,

Brent

2010 GVCM GRAND FINALE!

2010-10-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

Greetings Local Food Super Heroes (yes, that's what you are and could be for Halloween),
Tomorrow morning, October 30th, marks the final Grandin Village Community Market for the 2010 season. I can't thank all of you enough for making the revolutionary LEAP (shameless plug) each and every Saturday by showing up and directly supporting these hard working families and individuals that supply us with wholesome, healthy, tasty goodies. Your simple act of visiting the Community Markets keeps our local farmers farming for one more season and provides hope for the next generation of would be producers.
Down in the dumps because you think tomorrow is your last chance until next spring for delicious and nutritious local food Have no fear, die hard Locavores! You have more options than ever this winter for accessing local delights....
Next Wednesday, Nov. 3rd, marks the grand opening of our first Winter Market at the West End Community Market on the corner of Patterson Ave. and 13th Street SW at the West End Center for Youth. We'll be inside of the old Villa Sorrento building, out of the elements, and ready for a hopping Market. Many of your favorite folks from the GVCM will be there, including GOOD FOOD GOOD PEOPLE, PATCHWORK FARM, THE PROFESSOR'S GARDEN, GINGER HILLERY, JOE BURGE, THISTLE DEW FARM, FERGUSON FARM, ROUNDHILL FARM, OTTERDALE FARM AND BAKERY, AAH ORGANIC FARM, and BETTY BAILEY, each and every Wednesday through the end of December, and possibly beyond, from 3:00-6:00pm.
For more info. visit www.LEAPforlocalfood.org
Jimbo and Big Pine Trout Provisions are opening their new store front next Saturday, November 6th, at 501 Campbell Avenue, and will be open on Saturdays from 9:00am-1:00pm. They'll have their signature fresh and smoked trout, items they've frozen and canned from this summer's local bounty, various cheeses, Joe Burge's prepared items, Ginger Hillery's breads, plus other local food items.
For more info. visit Bigpinetroutfarm.com
Good Food Good People will continue to offer their A La Carte Menu throughout the winter with weekly deliveries of local pastured meats, goat and cow cheeses, bulk fruit and veggies, plus sweets, baked items, smoked trout, and much more, to the West End Community Market every Wednesday.
For more info. email gfgpalacarte@swva.net
Kathy O'hara and Runner-Bean.com are open for business throughout the winter. This is an online virtual market with several dropsites in the valley.
For more info. visit www.Runner-bean.com

Your Market forecast for tomorrow....
Once again the weather gods (or goddesses) will smile upon us. Two years running, we've been blessed with consistently beautiful weather on Market day. Thanks to the powers that be. All of your favorite folks will be there with plenty of greens, root veggies, meats, cheeses, prepared foods, and much more, plus an extra special treat for this trick-or-treat weekend. Erin & Monica, the guitar-violin duet with angelic voices will grace the Market with their melodies, beginning at 10:30 am. So start your beautiful fall weekend off with a trip to the GVCM.
Have a happy and safe Halloween weekend.
Cheers,
Brent

Grandin Village Community Market 10/16

2010-10-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall Everyone,
I apologize for missing a couple of updates, but the one-two punch of grad. school and work is not to be underestimated. Anyhow, that's enough whining for today. The leaves are turning, there's nip in the air, and the green-gourd combo at the markets are signaling my favorite time of year.
Only three more GVCM's, counting tomorrow, for the 2010 season. After which the GVCM will join forces with the West End Community Market and move inside in November for our inaugural Winter-Market, every Wednesday from 3:00-6:00pm. inside of the old Villa Sorrento building located at the West End Center for Youth.
Your Market forecast for tomorrow...
Despite a chilly start, it's supposed to be a beautiful day so swing by your favorite Market, whichever and wherever that may be, and support a family farm or three. Oh yah, you get to take home some delicious goodies as well.
GFGP will have the last fresh chickens of the year, so get there early if you'd like a roasted tuna-of-the-land for supper.
Joe Burge is back from a brief illness with his entire line-up of ready to eat, homemade delicacies from south of the border.
Karen Kessler is our guest artist. Many of you are familiar with her jewelry as she is kind enough to join the market once a month.
We bid adieu to OJAI Farm, who has to reserve their remaining crop for their CSA. Many thanks to them for another great season.
Otherwise, all of your favorite folks will be there and eagerly awaiting your smiling faces.
Cheers,
Brent

Grandin Village Community Market 10/2

2010-10-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

Wow, October already, where'd the time go. This is the last month of the GVCM's outdoor season. Our final day at the current location will be October 30th, after which you'll be able to find all of your favorite local producers from the GVCM inside (the old Villa Sorrento building) at the West End Community Market on Wednesday afternoons from 3:00-6:00pm. We'll run the WECM through the end of December and possibly beyond, depending on product availability and customer support.
Your Market forecast for tomorrow....
We'd like to give a warm GVCM welcome to Patrick Trout. Patrick will have fruiting mushroom logs for sale. These are logs that he has impregnated with shitake and oyster mushroom spoors that are fruiting or are about to fruit. He'll have these for sale along with his wealth of knowledge about growing, harvesting, and eating your own mushrooms. So if you'd like to try growing your own mushrooms, this is your chance to learn how and take home a loaded log, ready to (or grow).
Lisa Vance is returning with her jewelry.
Joe Burge is in Betty Bailey's space with his tamales, chimichangas, hummus, falafel, and my personal favorite, the best veggie pot stickers in town.
We'll have some acoustic music from 11:00-12noon.
As for the staples, greens, root veggies, apples, and winter squash are the name of the game as we progress deeper into fall, with some green beans, various peppers, and a few tomatoes hanging on.
Tomorrow is supposed to cool and beautiful so start your weekend off on the right foot with a visit to your Community Market.
Cheers,
Brent

West End Community Market 9/29

2010-09-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

In spite of the much needed rain, the West End Community Market and its soggy farmers will be open for business on this fine fall day. One more month until we join forces with the rest of the Grandin Village Community Market crew and move inside of the old Villa Sorrento building next door for our Winter Market. Then neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow will dampen our market spirits.

Our own local food celebrity, Rick Williams of Roundhill Farm in Roanoke City, is rejoining the market this afternoon with his top quality organically grown produce. Rick is one of the stars of Jim Crawford's documentary, URBAN LOTS - GARDEN PLOTS, which is premiering tonight at 7:30 at the Grandin Theatre.

So swing by the Market for some urban produce (it doesn't get much more local than this) and then check out Rick and several other urban farmers in our Community, in bright lights on the big screen.

Joe Burge and his dinners to go are a stead fast of the Market, as are the Wrights and their Roanoke County grown, organic produce.

Rounding out the crew is Kris Peckman with Franklin County's Ferguson Farm, providing fresh greens, potatoes, butternut squash, and fresh eggs.

So slip on your wellies, grab and umbrella, and show your support for the local food movement.

I promise you won't melt.

Brent

Grandin Village Community Market 9/25

2010-09-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

Greetings Fall Foragers,
We, LEAP, now have our own website. Thanks Lisa! It's basic, but will offer a great forum for sharing local food info. Best of all it's linked to our Wetpaint site, which is an interactive site where our local producers, chefs, and others can operate their mini-web pages and communicate with the general public, all found under one virtual roof.
Check it out and watch it grow, 'cause we're just getting started. www.LEAPforlocalfood.org
Your Market forecast for tomorrow:
Beautiful, sunny, and bountiful.
The soon-to-be famous Joe Burge from the West End Community Market and the Catawba Valley Farmers Market, is joining us tomorrow and for the rest of the season, with his tamales, chimichangas, hummus, pot stickers (my personal favorite), and much more.
I'd like to welcome Amy Longo and Patchwork Farm to the Market tomorrow. Amy will be in 5 Penny Farm's space and will be representing her home farm and 5 Penny produce for the rest of the season.
Anna Wills of Bramblehollow Farm is back again this Saturday with her delicious pastured pork, free-range chickens, and eggs.
For your furry friends, Lauren and Fido's Delights will be at the Manager's Table.
Have a great Market and a great weekend.
Cheers,
Brent

West End Community Market 9/22

2010-09-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

Howdy Folks,

Last Wednesday several of the West End Center's eager students happily planted seedlings and seeds provided by Betsy Stewartson of Otterdale Farm (our Wed. afternoon baker) and the Wright's of the Professor's Garden (your connection for heirloom tomatoes, onions, peppers and so much more organically grown produce).

The raised bed plots in the Market's parking lot were provided by the Urbiculture Center, the Roanoke Community Garden Association, and several volunteers. Many thanks to Ron McCorkle for organizing the "bed-raising."

I've posted photos to the GVCM facebook page.

The kids are watering their garden plots every afternoon, and although not eager to reap the rewards of broccoli or mustard greens (eww! is the common response) are extremely excited about the progress of their baby plants.

What will you find today at the WECM?

I'll have Golden Delicious apples fresh of the trees of the Dawson Family Orchard.

The Wrights will have plenty o' peppers, their final tomatoes, herb seedlings, onions for eating and planting, various squashes, and some new fall greens.

Kris Peckman will have farm fresh eggs, plenty o' fresh greens, winter squashes, a few tomatoes, and potatoes.

Betsy will have fall seedlings ripe and ready for you avid gardeners to plant away, plus her many varieties of homemade breads.

Last but certainly not least, Joe Burge will grace us with his presence and his delicious and authentic tamales, chimichangas, roasted corn and cactus salad, hummus, falafel, and German linzer biscuits.

Only six weeks away from the time when the GVCM and WECM combine forces on Wednesday afternoons inside at the WECM location to create the most rockin' fall/winter Community Market in town....

Stay tuned for more info.

Brent

West End Community Market 9/15

2010-09-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

Greetings All,

Well summer will try to hold on today with a spike into the upper 80's, but the baskets of greens and new winter squash mark the beginning of Fall at the West End Community Market.

We will be planting the raised beds, kindly donated by the Urbiculture Foundation, at the market location today with many eager students from the West End Center for Youth. If anyone would like to stop by and share their gardening expertise, lend a helping hand, or just spectate, we plan to begin planting around 4:00. We have some seeds from the Professor's Garden and Betsy Stewartson will provide us with seedlings.

What goes in a fall garden? Greens are the name of the game, accompanied by root veggies. Our Youth plots at the West End Center will have beets, turnips, kale, arugula, several varieties of lettuces, and whatever else we can dig out of the seed bin.

As for goodies at the Market this afternoon...

Joe Burge from Guatamala, via Montgomery county will have Chimichangas, tamales, fresh falafel, hummus, and his soon-t0-be-world-famous roasted corn and cactus salad.

Betsy Stewartson of Otterdale Farm will have fall seedlings and fresh baked breads.

The Wrights of the Professor's Garden will have lots of peppers, the last of the summer squash, herbs, onions, a few remaining tomatoes, and some early season greens.

Kris Peckman of Ferguson Farm will have plenty of early season kale, mustard, and collard greens, plus fresh eggs, potatoes and the last of the summer squash and tomatoes.

I'll have PEACHES and APPLES. That's right a miraculous late season harvest of yellow peaches from the Dawson Family Orchard accompanied the box of Gala apples that I ordered for the market today. This is it for you peach lovers, so swing by early if you want to satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way.

Cheers,

Brent

Gardening Class & Catawba Valley Farmers Market

2010-09-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

Faithful Locavores and Aspiring Garden Gurus,

If you haven't taken the beautiful drive on highway 311 to the Catawba Valley, I highly reccomend doing so. You'll find several great hikes on the Appalachian Trail, the Homeplace Restaurant, and on Thursday afternoons from 3:30-7:00 a gem of a farmers market located next to the Catawba General Store. Several of your favorite producers from the Grandin Village and West End Community Markets participate in the Catawba Market, plus many other excellent farmers and artists, so take a drive into the country, pick up some local delicacies and support this fledgling market.

For you aspiring fall/winter gardeners, there will be a class on season extension held at the Brambleton Center on Thursday Sept. 23rd from 6:00-8:00pm. Call #772-7524 to register before the 22nd.

I'd like to thank Karen Adams for the great article about the West End Community Market that was recently featured in the Co-Optimist. Many thanks Karen!

Brent

West End Community Market 9/8

2010-09-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

Hello cooler days of early fall,

Today offers a beautiful and comfortable day for checking out the WECM at the West End Center for Youth.

Joe Burge is gracing us with his presence and his delicious tamales, chimichangas, hummus, and various salads. Ready to take home for dinner and eaten tomorrow for lunch.

Betsy Stewartson will have fall seedlings, just in time to plant your fall/winter garden with my all time favorite, GREENS. She also have a variety of homemade bread and baked goods.

For those of you who don't want to wait until your seedlings are big enough to eat, Kris Peckman will have the first greens of the season, plus squash, cucumbers, fresh eggs, and tomatoes.

The Wright's will have a variety of peppers, tomatoes, squashes, herbs, and onions. They specialize in heirloom varieties and are a wealth of knowledge for any of you who have gardening questions.

Unfortunately the peach season is over, so I will not have any peaches this afternoon, but our aspiring neighborhood Fig sellers will have their last crop of fresh figs.

I hope to see you all and many new faces on this beautiful afternoon between 4:00-7:00

Cheers,

Brent

Grandin Village Community Market 9/4

2010-09-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Labor Day Weekend Everyone,
Wow what a roller coaster year for our local producers. It's hot, it's dry, then it rains like a hurricane, then it gets hot again, and now the bottom is supposed to drop out this Saturday night. Low 50's in Roanoke means low 40's in the surrounding hills where many of our cherished local products come from. All of the farmers that I deal with are having a really tough time this season with the weather and the pest problems it creates. There's nothing we can do about the weather, but we do have 100% control over our own actions and decisions.
By deciding to visit your favorite local market, or your not so favorite market that could really use the support, you take the fate of a local farm family in your hands and move them a little closer to sustainability and prosperity. $5.00 spent once a week at a farmers market is all it takes to support the market and its valuable producers.
All markets exist on a week to week basis. Like the famous slogan from the American Farmland Trust, "No Farms, No Food," " No Shoppers, No Markets."
This is evident with the West End Community Market. Although we started off with 10 producers supplying a wide variety of local products, we're down to 4
This whole process is a team effort. The farmers, bakers, craftsmen and women, artists, and all the others who make up the Community Market scene, produce this great local stuff, I with the help and support of many individuals and businesses coordinate the whole mess, and you most importantly of all, come out each and every week and vote for your local economy, your local environment, and your local community with your local dollar. Without one of these puzzle pieces the others do not exist.
So show your team spirit and kick-off this Labor Day Weekend with a trip to the GVCM.
What will you find?
Many apple varieties, the last of the peaches, asian pears, and other pear varieties, plus fresh melons and blueberries.
Some greens are starting to come in as we say good-bye to tomatoes, corn, cucumbers and the other deep summer treats.
GFGP will have fresh and frozen WeatherTop Chickens.
Betsy Stewartson will have seedlings for fall planting.
They'll be plenty of squash, peppers, hot peppers, herbs, cut flowers, and baked goods.
Plus fresh and smoked trout, various pork and beef cuts.
As always everything at the Grandin Village Community Market and the West End Community Market is produced within 100 miles of the market locations, with 90% of the products originating within 50 miles, because "Local is Good."

Thank you all for your continued support,
Brent

West End Community Market 9/1

2010-09-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

Hello September,

Although these hot days are hanging on to summer, the cool nights hint of the beautiful fall that's just around the corner.

For all of you gardeners, in addition to her delicious baked goodies, Betsy Stewartson will have plenty of fall seedlings for sale at both the West End Community Market and the Grandin Village Community Market, beginning today. So swing by and get your fall/winter garden started off on the right foot with plenty of greens, brassicias, and some delicious root veggies.

Joe Burge is returning today with his authentic tamales, chimichangas, roasted cactus & corn salad, hummus, and fresh falafel.

The LEAP Manager's table with have fresh organic lemonade, yellow free-stone low-spray peaches from Walker Mountain in Pearisburg, plus deliciously crunchy and sweet Gala apples from the Dawson Family Orchard. This is the end of the local peach season, so get 'em while you can.

The Wrights and Kris Peckman will have a variety of fresh produce, as we say good-bye to the summer crops of tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, peppers, beans, corn, etc. and begin to say hello to the classic harvest crops of fall.

Now that vacation season is ending and kids are returning to school, I hope to see a resurgence in the local food interest and support, so grab a friend and stop by for some delicious food and good cause.

Many Thanks for your continued support,

Brent

Grandin Village Community Market 8/28

2010-08-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Greetings All,

Wow, I leave for a week and return to a lush and much cooler Virginia. I don't know about y'all but I'm diggin' this weather.
We have a couple of welcomed surprises for tomorrow at the GVCM.
Joe Burge is gracing us with his presence and his authentic central American and middle Eastern delights.
He'll have Chimichangas, tamales, linzer biscuits, fresh falafel, artichoke and black olive hummus, lebanese cucumber salad, and his soon to be world famous grilled cactus corn salad.
Anna Wills from Bramble Hollow Farm will be sharing space at the Manager's Table. She'll have some of the world's best fresh eggs, plus her pasture raised absolutely delicious pork.
Plus the whole host of GVCM characters.
We're beginning the transition from classic summer crops into fall harvest items, so if you haven't had your fill of corn, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, zuchinni, beans, or those incredible peaches then now's your chance to over-indulge these items as we begin the slow good-bye to summer and the big hello to fall.
I'd like to personally thank Karen Adams for her terrific article in the CO-OPTIMIST this past week, showcasing the West End Community Market.
I hope to see all of you and some new smiling faces tomorrow morning at the GVCM.

Cheers,
Brent

West End Community Market Wednesday 8/18

2010-08-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

How-do,

Despite the gloomy forecast, myself and the brave vendors of the West End Community Market will be open for business this afternoon from 4:00-7:00pm.

Joe Burge is returning with his authentic chimichangas, tamales, roasted corn & cactus salad, and fresh hummus.

The Wrights will have many varieties of organically grown peppers, tomatoes, squashes, onions, plus seedlings for fall planting.

Betsy is baking away and will have several types of bread and sweet rolls to choose from.

Kris Peckman will have plenty of squash, cucumbers, slicer tomatoes, fresh eggs, and potatoes, all grown in Franklin County.

So break out your umbrella and show your support for Community Markets and local farmers.

Although the updates have been sporadic due to my chaotic schedule. There will be no updates this coming Saturday or Wednesday as I will be out of town and out of electronic touch.

Cheers,

Brent

West End Community Market Wednesday 8/11

2010-08-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

Greetings Pray-ers for Fall,

Well, it's gonna be another hot one this afternoon. But there's no better way to beat the eat than with some cool fruit or veggies. Cantaloupe, watermelon, peaches, cucumbers, and juicy tomatoes are deliciously sweet and have a cooling and hydrating effect on the body. So swing by the West End Community Market this afternoon and make a mad dash for these local delicacies. I promise you won't melt.

What else will you find today at the Market?

Joe Burge (Montgomery County) will have his Guatemalan influenced homemade Chimichangas and Tamales perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch tomorrow.

Betsy of Otterdale Farm (Bedford County) will have fresh baked breads and sweet rolls.

The Wrights of The Professor's Garden (Roanoke County) will have a wide variety of heirloom, tomatoes, peppers, onions, potatoes, and seedlings for fall planting.

Paul of Thistle Dew Farm (Charlotte County) will have cantaloupes, watermelons, peaches, corn, green beans, and other staples.

Rick Williams of Roundhill Farm (Roanoke City) will have carrots, beets, and my personal favorite, rattlesnake green beans.

I'll have ice cold lemonade, 100 % organic and free (donations gladly accepted).

I hope to see you all there as we bid adieu to the last hot afternoon of the season.

Always Hopeful,

Brent

Grandin Village Community Market Saturday 8/7

2010-08-06T10:12:00.000-07:00

Howdy All,

We'd like to give FIDO'S DELIGHTS a warm GVCM welcome. Bring your furry four legged friend by for some homemade treats, 'cause you know they deserve one or three. You can find the pup treats at the Manager's Table.
'Tis the season for fruit and we'll have aplenty tomorrow morning at the GVCM:
Watermelon, cantaloupe, honey-dew, apples, peaches, plums, nectarines, blackberries, and blueberries oh-my!
The sun's gonna shine, the air won't be so hot, the food is guaranteed to be top notch, and rest assured you'll encounter many smiling faces and good conversation, so swing by the GVCM tomorrow morning and show your walkin'-the-talk support of our local economy.

Cheers,
Brent

West End Community Market Wednesday 8/4

2010-08-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

Greetings Lovers of the Local,

Just a simple and friendly reminder that the West End Community Market and its daring producer vendors will be open for business today, Wednesday 8/4, from 4:00-7:00pm. at the West End Center for Youth. Stop by and walk the talk of local food activism by supporting your local economy and taking home some of valley's tastiest homegrown goodies.

I've posted a delicious recipe from the Westport Farmers Market in Westport Connecticut, where my sister happens to be the Market Manager. This market is overflowing with variety, abundance, and supportive shoppers; a worthy goal for all markets and their patrons in our region.

Bon Appetit,

Brent

Fried Green Tomato BLTs

ingredients:
2 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
18 1/8-inch-thick slices pancetta*
18 1/4-inch-thick slices green tomatoes (about 6 tomatoes)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
3 large eggs, beaten to blend
1 cup olive oil
6 1/4-inch-thick slices red tomatoes (about 2 tomatoes)
6 1/4-inch-thick slices yellow tomatoes (about 2 tomatoes)
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced arugula

preparation:

Puree basil, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, lemon juice, and mustard in processor until smooth. Transfer to small bowl; mix in remaining 1 cup mayonnaise and season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange pancetta in single layer on rimmed baking sheet. Cook until pancetta is just crisp, about 15 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Reduce oven temperature to 200°F.
Sprinkle all green tomato slices with salt and pepper. Place 1/2 cup flour in shallow bowl. Mix remaining 1/2 cup flour with cornmeal in another shallow bowl to blend. Working with 1 green tomato slice at a time, coat with flour, then egg, then flour-cornmeal mixture. Transfer to baking sheet. Line second baking sheet with paper towels. Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry green tomatoes until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Using slotted spoon, transfer to prepared baking sheet; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Keep warm in oven.
Sprinkle red and yellow tomatoes with salt and pepper. Place 1 fried green tomato slice on each of 6 plates. Spread each with 1 teaspoon basil mayonnaise, then top with 2 tablespoons arugula, 1 slice pancetta, 1 slice red tomato, another fried green tomato, 1 slice yellow tomato, pancetta, and another 2 tablespoons arugula. Spoon 1 teaspoon mayonnaise over arugula, then top with remaining fried green tomatoes. Spoon 1 teaspoon mayonnaise atop green tomato. Finish with remaining pancetta and serve.

GVCM Saturday 7/31

2010-07-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

Howdy Y'all,

Our favorite Locavore restaurant, Local Roots, celebrates their grand re-opening tonight in their beautiful new location next to the Grandin Theatre on Grandin Rd. No other restaurant in our region is more dogmatic about supporting local, organic, humane, and sustainable agriculture. Three cheers for Local Roots and gang!
What better way to send off the month of July than a visit to your favorite Community Market? The forecast is calling for cooler more comfortable temperatures overnight and into the day, so take a break from the A.C., pick up some sweet summer goodies, and support your local economy.
What will you find at the Market tomorrow morning?
GFGP will have FRESH WEATHERTOP CHICKENS. These always fly out of the coolers, no pun intended, before 9:00. So get there early if you're planning on fresh fried chicken for supper.

Yellow, white, and bi-colored corn, cabbage, several varieties of beans, over 30 varieties of tomatoes, green peppers, red peppers, hot peppers, sweet peppers, squash, zuchinni, swiss chard, potatoes, salad greens, egg plant, carrots, onions, and garlic.
Blackberries, blueberries, red seedless grapes, cantaloupes, watermelons, peaches, apples, and nectarines.
Homemade artisinal breads, muffins, scones, and pies, plus organic coffee and lemonade and so much more.

Our celtic musicians are joining us once again for some Saturday morning fiddlin'.

Hope to see y'all and many new faces in the AM,
Brent

West End Community Market Wednesday 7/21

2010-07-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

I'd like to give a warm West End Community Market welcome to a new vendor this week, the infamous Joe Burge. Joe is the graphic designer for the Co-op and is the mastermind behind all of the Grandin Village and West End Community Markets' posters and marketing materials. That's right, the giant strawberry, the duel between Eggplant Bambino and Boxcar Willie Tomato, the veggie shaped posters, and both Market logos are the handiwork of this talented artist.

This season Joe has decided to test the waters on the other side of the Community Market coin, by joining the Catawba Community Market in the beautiful Catawba Valley of Roanoke county. This fledgling Market operates every Thursday from 4:00-7:00pm. next to the Catawba General Store, across from the Homeplace Restaurant on route 311, and features local produce, fruit, baked goods, meats, and so much more. So take a scenic drive one Thursday afternoon and check it out.

Joe was raised in Guatemala and is bringing his soon to be world famous, real-deal, 100% homemade and authentic Tamales, Chimichangas, Grilled Cactus Corn Salad, and German Linzer Biscuits. So come see the man behind the art and take home some fresh tamales for dinner.

What else will you find at the Market tomorrow between 4:00 & 7:00pm?

Over 20 varieties of tomatoes, yellow, white, and bi-colored corn, squash, zuchinni, hot peppers, green peppers, yellow & red peppers.

Fresh baked wild yeasted sourdough breads.

Fresh and smoked rainbow trout.

Blackberries, watermelons, cantaloupes, peaches, and the first good eating apples of the season.

I hope to see you and many old and new faces tomorrow afternoon.

Thank you all for your continued support. And many thanks to the Co-op and the law firm of Glenn, Feldmann, Darby & Goodlatte for stepping up to the plate and backing these Community Markets.

GVCM Saturday 7/17

2010-07-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

NEWS FLASH!
Night Sky Farm, our local goat & cow cheese producer, who was with us for the 2009 season, but is unable to attend the market this season, is now offering their wonderful products through Paul and Thistle Dew Farm. Stop by and see Paul for many flavors of goat cheese, cow cheese, goat milk soap, and laundry detergent.

What else will you find at the GVCM tomorrow between 8am - 12noon?
VEGGIES:
Sweet corn, squash, zuchinni, tomatoes of all shapes, sizes, and flavors, sweet pepper, hot peppers, various new potatoes, onions, garlic, shallots, fresh herbs, arugula, romaine lettuce, salad mix, and more delicious surprises.
FRUIT:
Watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, apples, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and wine berries.
MEAT:
Whole pasture raised chickens, grass-fed beef and pork. Fresh and smoked rainbow trout.

Plus several varieties of fresh baked artisinal breads and other baked goods.

Stop by the LEAP (Local Environmental Agriculture Project) tent for a cup of certified organic-fair trade coffee provided by STAR CITY COFFEE COMPANY, or a delicious organic cold lemonade provided by ROANOKE RIVER MASSAGE COMPANY, and make a donation to support the GVCM, the West End Community Market and LEAP's many local food initiatives.

Many thanks to all of you, the Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op, and the law firm of Glenn, Feldmann, Darby, & Goodlatte for the continued support.

West End Community Market Wednesday 7/14

2010-07-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

What will you find at the West End Community Market today between 4:00 & 7:00pm?

Sweet corn, vine ripened, chemical free, juicy sweet tomatoes,

cucumbers, squash, zucchini, sweet peppers, bell peppers, hot peppers, onions, garlic, and fresh herbs.

Watermelons, cantaloupes, blackberries, and yellow peaches.

Plus fresh baked breads and fresh & smoked rainbow trout.

All 100% homegrown, local, and fresh.

Stop by LEAP's table for a free cold lemonade and say hello.

The West End Community Market operates each and every Wednesday from 4:00 to 7:00pm. at the West End Center for Youth on the corner of Patterson Ave. and 13th Street SW.

West End Community Market Wednesday 6/30

2010-06-30T06:51:00.000-07:00

Greetings Lovers of the Local,

No better way to enjoy a brief respite from the heat wave, than visiting your favorite Wednesday evening Community Market and taking home some of summer's increasing bounty. Step out of the florescent light, peel yourself away from the A/C, and enjoy a little fresh, and much cooler air, this evening between 4:00 & 7:00pm. at the West End Community Market located at the West End Center for Youth on the corner of Patterson Ave. and 13th Street SW. There's ample parking on the street, across the street at the WECY offices, and around the corner at the West End Methodist Church where you'll find a large and empty parking lot kindly donated for our use by the Methodist Church. See you there!

Your fearless farmers/producers for this week.....

Good Food Good People from Floyd

The Professor's Garden from Roanoke County

Otterdale Farm from Bedford

Big Pine Trout Farm from Newcastle

Thistle Dew Farm from Campbell County

Ferguson Farm from Franklin County

Round Hill Farm from right here in Roanoke City

What will they have?

Well the height of summer is showing its face for the first time this week with the promise of an ever-increasing supply...

Peaches, nectarines, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and Lodi apples.

Sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, squash, zucchini, onions, fresh garlic, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers, fresh herbs, and so much more.

Fresh trout, smoked trout, whole chickens, beef, pork, fresh breads & baked goods, plus prepared and frozen veggie dinner pies for "fast food" that's actually local, organic, and good for you.

Ever grateful for your continued support,

Brent

West End Community Market Wednesday 6/16

2010-06-16T06:00:00.001-07:00

Greetings Faithful Fans,

Just a reminder that the WECM will be at the West End Center for Youth today from 4-7pm. Stop on by for some 100% fresh, 100% local homegrown vittles.
Good Food Good People will be there with their overflowing abundance of veggies, cherries, fresh eggs, cow and goat cheeses, and an assortment of grass-fed, pasture-raised beef, pork, and whole chickens.
Mark Powell and the Roanoke Community Garden Association will join us for the first time with their urban-agriculture-abundance produced right here in Roanoke City.
Big PIne will have absolutely delicious fresh and smoked Rainbow Trout, plus prepared items made from 100% local and seasonal goods, perfect for those on the go who still want a healthy dinner.
The Professor's Garden and Otterdale Farm keep us supplied with our staple greens, blueberries, raspberries, and the first cukes, zukes, and squashes of the season. Keep on eye on their tables for the first tomatoes, which will probably appear by the first of July.
Last but certainly not least, Kris Peckman with Ferguson Farm, has kindly joined us from the Downtown Market. Kris will have plenty of swiss chard and farm fresh eggs from Ferguson's Franklin County farm.
The first two West End Markets have been very slow, so please come out and show your support for these hard working folks, and for the West End Community Market, and take home some delicious and nutritious eats to feed yourself, your family, your friends, or your neighbors.

Thank You,
Brent