One of the delights of downtown Belleville is the Farmer's Market, just around the corner from Bridge St. Church. It is open three days a week, although Saturday is the occasion for most vendors and plenty of shoppers. We love it because of the fresh produce, the energy and colour, and the opportunity to connect with the people who grew the food. One meat vendor has put up a "dare to compare" chart showing that their products are not ridiculously expensive, as it often claimed about the food of small growers.
What sad news that a large portion of the farmers market in St Jacobs Ontario burned two days ago. This market was the largest in the country and has an honest pedigree, with St. Jacobs situated in Mennonite country. Somewhere between 25 and 30 thousands shoppers frequent the market each week. Unfortunately the structure was older, which meant it had no sprinkler system and the main building was destroyed. The goal is to have the outdoor market up and running again this week, although many vendors will be affected.
When the locavore movement came to the fore I asked how many of you buy locally, whether from a farmers market or nearby food producers and growers. I also pointed out that the bible is full of passages about the goodness of the land and God's blessing in the form of agricultural abundance. I asked if you felt that the choices you make about the food you buy are a matter of faith.
I'll pose these questions again, a couple of years on. Do you support those who produce food in your area? Have you visited a farmers market lately? Are your choices connected to you faith convictions?
One of my fondest memories as a kid was Saturday morning at the Covent Garden Market in downtown London On...Dad was in the buisness of agriculture and wanted us kids to understand a little about that way of life. I mostly remember the fresh cheese curds to be shared on the way home and his tales of business transacted around the kitchen tables in rural Ontario where a handshake meant something.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to my Prince Edward County-tomato sandwich at lunch today...and the crisp apples that are a gift of the fall season....
There is no doubt, seeing the ones that produce our food somehow reminds me to stop and slow down as we eat it, with extra thanks for the bounty of the earth, and the commitment of those who take the time and care to farm the land.
I am saddened by the St Jacob's news....it was a facinating place.
Yes, yes, and yes, happily!
ReplyDeleteI support local farmers and love the outdoor markets this time of year. We were at the Belleville market Saturday and we are still enjoying the peaches we bought. Looking forward to doing up the wineries in Prince Edward County this fall with friends.
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