Downingtown Farmers Market Delights with Fresh Produce and Artisan Foods
Downingtown residents flocked to Kerr Park to celebrate the opening of the weekly farmer’s market on Thursday. More than 20 vendors filled tables with lush greens, locally sourced delicacies, and scrumptious treats. The opening festivities included a scavenger hunt for children and a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the mayor. Spending an afternoon enjoying the sunshine and company in Kerr Park would be enough of a draw, but there are many ways the town will benefit from support of our local farms.
The growing local shopping movement is running strong in Downingtown. This market gives farmers an easy way to reach consumers directly. Early in the season they sell a variety of greens and seedlings. At just 2-3 dollars, this is a great way to add some green to your diet. Kale, chard, mixed greens, and sprouts are all super foods. They make a great base for a smoothie or add the perfect crunch to a sandwich. Watch as the market fills with seasonal produce throughout the summer. We will see all the best crops our local farms have to offer.
Why Buy Local?
Buying local produce is great for our economy because the money stays close to home. There are lower transportation and packaging costs, too. Unfortunately, this doesn’t necessarily mean the farmer’s market will be cheaper than the grocery store. The government subsidizes large crops like corn to the benefit of big business. This drives down the price on consumer goods like Doritos and candy bars. Conversely, it can make shopping for raw produce seem expensive. However, the value of serving a family healthy food is worth it. Don’t you think?
As the market fills with a smorgasbord of local produce, try to do as much of your shopping there as you can. Sure, we “strive for five” fruits and veggies each day, but no one says you can’t have more than that!
Downingtown’s sweetheart, Dia Doce cupcakes was on site with a handful of delicious flavors.
Victory Brewing Company sold root beer as a single or six pack.
MomPops packed a fruity punch into a frozen stick without all the additives you’ll find on the ice cream truck. Craving cheese or hummus? Palate pleasers for every party are available at the market, too. You can even get local, grass fed beef from Lindenhof farm. This comes to the market frozen, so allow time to defrost in your dinner plans.
Which is better: local or certified organic?
I would encourage you to ask the farmers yourself to make the best decision for your family. Some local farms are not certified because it is a costly endeavor even if they use organic practices. Others do not qualify due to space limitations. Some choose not to be organic because the method of care for avoiding pesticides has other environmental impacts, so they make the best choice they can for the health and safety of their food. No matter what, you can always ask. If the market is too busy, ask via a message on their Facebook page or check in with the coordinator for the market. You have a right to know what’s in your food!
For a full list of the vendors and their offerings, check out the Downingtown Farmer’s Market Blog.
Jeannette Bezinque is an eco-friendly blogger and mom to two green girls. She chronicles the creative way she balances parenting with a green lifestyle at EcoIncognito.com. Follow www.ecoincognito.com for a helpful Farmer’s Market Shopping List each Wednesday to help identify seasonal produce and how to use it. Find Jeannette on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.
I think we need to nominate Jeannette as “Mayor of the Market”… how can we make that happen?
Philaburban Mom 