Day Four
It isn't easy to grow food. It takes long hours, tiresome work, and a persistent heart to make it as a farmer, especially when you are growing your food sustainably. These days, the majority of America's food comes from gigantic factory farms. Though they produce on mass, the impact they are having on our environment and our health is pretty scary. Between dissappearing honey bees, ecolli contaminations, and GMO seeds, food is beginning to feel unsafe. Throw in the use of commercial pesticides, soil erosion, and animal cruelty, and the thought of eating can turn your stomach.
Beautiful, locally raised Rainbow Chard
But it doesn't have to be that way. You can find access to small, family or community owned farms in almost every city in America, and the folks at these farms work hard to produce food that is raised with the kind of care that just isn't possible on a factory scale. These farmers rise early and work hard every day, and it shows in the quality of the food they produce.
With factory farmed and processed foods becoming more and more dangerous, I'm awfully thankful that small farms exist in my community. I'm grateful for being provided the option of safe, whole food, and I'm proud to support the honest work of my neighbors.
Austin is especially lucky, as cities go, to have so many wonderful farms, markets, and CSA's available. If you haven't had a chance to get involved with our local agriculture yet, you are in for a wonderful surprise. Here are some resources to help you get started.
Saturday's visit to the SFC Downtown Farmer's Market
Edible Austin's List of Area CSA's CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. These programs work just like subscriptions. You sign up with a local farm or CSA service, pledge a weekly or monthly amount, and receive a share of the farm's crop on a regular basis. This guarantees you a fresh, seasonal supply of produce on a regular basis.
SFC Farmers' Markets The Sustainable Food Center hosts weekly farmers' markets at three locations: Sunset Valley(Saturday), The Triangle(Wednesday), and Downtown(Saturday)
Hope Farmer's Market The East Side's eclectic Sunday market with farm stands, local artists, and artisans.
Barton Creek Farmer's Market This market is held on Saturdays behind the Barton Creek Mall
Boggy Creek Farm Located on the East Side, Boggy Creek Farm keeps a stand open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, filled with tasty organic goodies.
LocalHarvest.org A valuable resource that can help you find farms, markets, and CSA's anywhere, not just in Austin!
Saturday's Farm Market Bounty: Chives, Dill, Squash, Chard, Beets, Eggplant & Broccoli