April 3, 2021

We've been selected!  Stop 'n Shop Bloomin' for Good program

During the month of April, $1 will be donated to our nonprofit each time a $9.99 Bloomin' 4 Good Bouquet with a red circle sticker is purchased (see picture above) at the Stop & Shop at 55 Village Green Drive, Litchfield CT.

In February, Stop & Shop began their Bloomin' 4 Good Program which was created to fight the hunger crisis across the communities we serve.  Partners for Sustainable Healthy Communities, Inc. - the parent nonprofit which runs the farmers' market and the NW CT Regional Food Hub - was selected  by local store leadership as the April beneficiary in recognition of our efforts in delivering local farm produce to the food insecure.  This is a great way to raise awareness of the need in the local community, fight hunger and raise donations for our organization.  
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Things of note for the market this week. 

• An Average Jill returns to the market this week.
• Earth's Palate has solved its staffing problem and will be at market with lettuce heads, bacon and other pork products.  They will also bring Warren Valley Farm veal and free range chicken and eggs.
• Guest vendor Ciesco Catering , owned by chef Carlene Dutka, will attend the market bringing Easter themed baked goods - including bunny shaped cookies.
• March Farms will be at market and asks that if you want to be assured you get a pie, please order by Thursday night on their website.  Email your orders to info@marchfarms.com and leave your name, your number and where you will pick it up.
• We have a new supply of Bolga baskets which make great holiday baskets - or house gifts.
• All of our other regular vendors will be at the market this week with scones and other baked goods, dried veggie snacks, maple syrup, honey, cheese, artisanal bread, Goatboy soaps, grass fed eggs, locally brewed beer, locally roasted coffee. 

Our recipe this week is Deviled Ham - an age old way to find a delicious recipe for left over ham - in case you have some from your holiday dinner.    
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We look forward to seeing you at the market this week and then again on April 17.


WHAT WILL BE AT MARKET
Amazing Love Farm - vegan dried snacks
An Average Jill - granola
Berry Ledges Apiary  - honey
Bolga baskets - market baskets
BritsBrand - British scones and home made clotted cream
Brookside Farm  - maple syrup and maple sugar
Cato Corner Cheese  - artisanal cheeses
Ciesco Catering - ​Easter themed baked goods
Coffee, Tea, Etc. - locally roasted coffee
Earth's Palate Farm - lettuce heads, spinach, pork: bacon, pork belly, ground pork, breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, hocks
Goat Boy Soaps - goat milk soap
March Farms - baked goods, variety of spring greens
New Park Brewing  - artisanal, local beer
Stella Rose Farm - shitake mushrooms - maybe
Vibrant Farm -  microgreens, bunched herbs, live herbs, and live microgreens
Warren Valley Farm - organic chicken and quail eggs, veal
Wave Hill Bread - artisanal breads

We look forward to seeing you all at the market  Stay well.
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SUSTAINABLE TIP OF THE WEEK
Sustaining your Garden - Spring Gardening Prep
With snow on the ground it may seem odd to think about gardening at this time of year.  However, gardening is truly a year-long process, and there are always things to think about in order to prepare for a successful summer harvest.
1.  Have you thought about what seeds you want to plant this year?  Have you considered discussing with fellow gardeners as to extra seeds they might have to share?
2.  There are always maintenance issues to attend to.  Now is a good time to inspect anything that is portable (e.g., birdfeeders, box planters) and paint, repair, replace.
3.  Make a chronological plan of things to do, so nothing falls through the cracks.

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