Every fall there comes a time when the local Farmer’s Markets close down….leaving a huge gap in our food sources and entertainment. Sally and I miss the stimulation of walking the market and buying fresh food and a bite of food. While reading the book, Good Food: Grounded Practical Theology by Jennifer Ayres, I came across her reference to a Winter Farmer’s Market sponsored by Faith in Place, and hosted by local churches.
Twice monthly, through the long Chicago winter, farmers and craftspeople come from as far away as 400 miles to the Winter Farmer’s Market. What is sold? Winter vegetables, of course, but also canned goods, pastries, eggs, fiber arts, spices, meats, and oils…mushrooms, even!
It struck me that a Winter Farmer’s Market could be a real opportunity for service, for community-building, as well as for food and for profit here in the Brush Prairie/Battle Ground area. What do you think? Is this a project worthy of our efforts and energy? If so, let’s start thinking and dreaming now to see what we might be able to put together in late November when the Markets are closed and the Bazaars are over!
One step I will take when I return from China is to plan and plant a fall and winter garden. The possibilities and varieties of food plants are nearly endless in our temperate climate (and they predict a mild winter to come!). When I get home I will start dreaming in earnest about this intriguing idea.
In the meantime, happy and productive gardening! – Joe
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