Community Garden Walkabout - August 27th 9am-11am

Hello Everyone,


This Saturday August 27th the garden coordinator Chris Clay will be in the garden from 9am-11am to give tours of the garden for community members and answer any questions gardeners may have.  If you want to know what the spots on your tomato leaves mean, what that bug on your broccoli is, or anything else this is your chance to ask!


Cheers,


Chris Clay

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www.franklincommunitygardens.org

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Making a purchase!

Franklin Farmers Market,  Friday,  12:00pm to 6:00pm

Located on the Town Common

Reminder that the Farmers' Market now accepts SNAP dollars and can double your purchasing power.
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/franklin-farmers-market-doubles-food.html

Visit the Food Pantry tent at the Farmers' Market for details.

Where is the Town Common?


View Larger Map

"fewer soggy chicken nuggets"

While farmers' markets are expanding, the use of fresh and local foods is increasing in the school lunch programs:

Franklin decided to revamp its food program by bringing in help. 

In June, the school system awarded its dining contract to Whitsons Culinary Group, a company that works with public and private schools to improve menus and promote healthy eating. 

School Committee member Bill Glynn, who led a nutrition subcommittee while the school was evaluating potential candidates, said at a June meeting that the change was to address the state's ever-evolving nutrition standards, according to school committee minutes. 

Kevin Silivia, an area training manager for Whitsons, said the company is training cafeteria employees to cook a variety of foods using fresh ingredients. 

"I think we are on the cutting edge, starting to develop programs that make food nutritious and fun for kids," Silivia said. "We develop our concepts around that ideal."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1837753803/Area-schools-go-local-to-get-healthy-produce#ixzz1VkWRf0vO

"people want convenience"

Much of the expansion of farmers markets has come in the past three years, said Scott Soares, state commissioner of agricultural resources. 

Public interest in buying local products "really caught fire," he said. In part, demand seems driven by worries about food safety. 

"(Customers) get it here fresh," said Terri Kanief of Boston-based Globe Fish Company, who was in Framingham last Thursday selling seafood. "You don't (know) how long it's been in the grocery store." 

Farmers markets give customers a connection to growers and their techniques that they can't find elsewhere, Cole said. 

Shoppers also are increasingly conscious of how far their food must travel to get to their table, Soares said. 

"Consumers are really recognizing those kinds of impacts that their food choices can make on the environment," he said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x27462244/Farmers-markets-sprouting-up-all-over-Massachusetts#ixzz1VkVKUGIV

Related post:
Food Pantry grant doubles SNAP dollars at the Franklin Farmers Market
http://franklinmatters.blogspot.com/2011/07/franklin-farmers-market-doubles-food.html

This was originally posted to Franklin Matters

Fairmount Fruit Farm - strawberries

Did you know that there are still U-pick strawberries to be found in Franklin?

Fairmount Fruit Farm on Lincoln Street (near the Medway border) has an amazing greenhouse full of the berries growing on their new hydro-stackers.

We had a great time picking recently, no deep knee bending or sunscreen needed.

They also have great fresh, organic eggs and a freezer full of fresh lamb.

They will be opening the berry greenhouse to the public later this week.

http://www.fairmountfruit.com/

Check availability by calling them at 508-533-8737

Support your local farmers!

Antonio Mendoca, Neil Acevedo, and Will Acevedo, all from Franklin, at the Fairmount Fruit Farm

Look at the size of this one!

A peek at the hydro-stackers, which the greenhouse also sells.


My thanks to Amy Acevedo for sharing these pictures and information!


This was originally posted to Franklin MAtters.