The dates have been set for the 2010 season of the Farmers Market on Historic North 1st Street. Mark your calendar for the opening day:
Thursday, June 10 from 3 to 7 PM, located on North 1st Street in Champaign
We have some new things planned and bringing back some favorites from last year. Once plans are more concrete, we'll let you in on the secret. Stay tuned!
P.S. In case you were wondering, we are in the process of recruiting produce and other fresh food vendors. Simply send the market manager an e-mail:
farmersmarket.on.northfirst@gmail.com
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI have seen you at the local foods group 2 or 3x. After understanding the situation better and thinking it over, I asked myself how the Urbana mkt. got started. At first I shopped there because the food was good and the price low. I have to admit I don't buy much there any more because it has become so expensive. It's good that you accept WIC etc., but I'm wondering if it would still take quite a chunk out of their allotment. Too bad there is not some sort of subsidy for farmers so that they could offer bargains.
I wish I had said, "How can we help" at the last meeting. In fact I think the group would serve us all better if that question were built in to each meeting.
I wish you well, but not sure there is anything I can do to further the cause.
Oh -- have you been attending the 'Under Served' meetings of CCNet?
It's also very good that you are starting small.
Laura Wetzel
Laura - I'm so glad that you appreciate our market, and all it has to offer. I also understand that it can often be disheartening to want to buy the food when it's gotten more expensive in recent years.
ReplyDeleteHere are a couple of hints on how to get lower prices. First, buy items that are at peak. You will know this when lots of vendors have the same item. The result will be lower prices. It's the whole supply and demand thing. It's also called seasonal shopping.
The 2nd way to get lower prices is to wait to near the end of the market. You may not always be able to get certain foods because they are sold out. However, if they have extra food that might be tossed because it will spoil in a short time, they might give you a big discount. Even if you might not use it right away, you can blanche and freeze most fruit and veggies. One last note: be sure to ask about an hour before the end of the market because the food bank comes to pick up excess at the very end of the market day.
By the way, the best way you can support the market is to bring your friends, family and coworkers with you. The more people who come, the more likely we'll have vendors who will want to come. It works both ways.
Thanks so much for the support!