Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food

Very interesting article on the role of the USDA in the local food system growing in our country.

The Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food (KYF) initiative itself is the brainchild of USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan — possibly the highest ranking supporter of sustainable agriculture we’ve ever had at USDA — as a way to highlight efforts to aid local foods.

Lots of good links.

Meet the "Sol Food" family!

Sol Food is a family run business producing farm fresh pestos, sauces, spreads and more to the Seacoast area of New England. Sourcing from our own back yard or from local, organic farms as needed, it is our hope to bring something special to the day of you and your loved ones when you pop the lid to one of our jars. We hope to have you grow alongside our family as we embark on raising our sweet babe, Jasper Sol, buy our 1st farm, and of course, continue to cook for all of you. With love, The Sol Food Family.


Check them out on Facebook too!

Seacoast Eat Local newsletter

If you aren't on their mailing list, here's the Seacoast Eat Local newsletter.

Bulk frozen wild blueberries

Looking for bulk orders of wild blueberries? Taylor-Brown in Alton sells them pre-frozen, you can keep them in the freezer, and scoop out what you need. They will keep for 2 years frozen. 5 lbs. for $25, 10 lbs for $37, 20 lbs for $72. You can call the farm and pre-order and they will call when they are ready to pick up, on your schedule.

New vendors at the market

We had a couple of new vendors at the market this week.  Trav's Treats, yummy baked goods,  and a new vegetable vendor who also has PIE!  We're coming into the vegetable season, good healthy eating is in store for our customers.

Imagine being part of a continent wide network!

One of the easiest and most satisfying volunteer projects your blogger is involved in is CoCoRHaS,  a volunteer network of people across the US, and now in Canada, who report precipitation.

CoCoRaHS is used by a wide variety of organizations and individuals.  The National Weather Service, other meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency managers, city utilities (water supply, water conservation, storm water), insurance adjusters, USDA, engineers, mosquito control, ranchers and farmers, outdoor & recreation interests, teachers, students, and neighbors in the community are just some examples of those who visit our Web site and use our data.

For the local food community, precipitation and lack of it are vital information.  Please read about this amazing organization and if you can, volunteer.