Last Saturday the Floyd Farmers Market had wonderful weather. Shoppers turned out to enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the market and browse for fresh produce, pasture raised beef, chicken, pork, cheeses and many other products. Music was provided by the wonderful David Simpkins and the KGB. This Saturday our music will be provided by our friends, Bob Grubel and Cliff Dumais.
Summer produce is beginning to come into the market. Most of it is locally and Virginia grown, although a few products are finding their way up from North Carolina. We had blueberries and cherries and a few of the last strawberries of the season. Green beans, fennel, asparagus, summer squash, and garlic scapes are beginning to come in. Next week, weather permitting, we may have new potatoes as well. We still have plenty of head and leaf lettuce, mixed greens, kale and mustard available. Highland Farms, Old Millstone Farm, Good Food Good People and Riverstone Farms have plenty of beef, pork, chicken and eggs to offer.
Buffalo Mountain Kombucha and Kester Clark Farm will not be in the market next week due to a temporary shortage of products. Elizabeth Shearer of Bizzy Bee will be back with her dips, salsas, and other side dishes. Come early to get those!
Mr. Sewell will be back in the market selling his last 40 bales of clean rye straw at $4.00/square bale. If you are interested in fluffing up that compost pile, strawing a chicken run, or mulching your garden in anticipation of a dry summer, this is your last chance at his square bale rye straw.
We would like to remind those who use SNAP benefits that we offer EBT services as well as our Double Your Money Matching Program. We will match up to $50 of EBT credits, dollar for dollar with market tokens so that folks on SNAP benefits can double their purchasing power up to $100 in total value. We do ask that beneficiaries of the service and matching program try to redeem as many of the EBT tokens received as possible on the same market day so that the tokens used are available again the next week.
The Floyd Farmers Market is collaborating with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) Virginia Grown program by supporting their FARM,FRESH,PLEDGE to purchase $10 weekly of Virginia-produced agricultural products. VDACS reports that there are now more than 220 farmers’ markets across Virginia, up from 88 in 2005. This year, they would like to encourage Virginia shoppers to participate in the “Farm, Fresh, Pledge – $10 a Week Challenge.” Just ask for the “Farm, Fresh, Pledge” punch card at our Information Table to receive a pledge card and earn one punch for each $10 you spend on Virginia Grown products. Collect all 14 punches for a chance to win a Virginia Grown®/Virginia’s Fines® gift basket valued at $250. We will close accepting cards on September 28th and send in your raffle tickets for the drawing which will take place on or around October 7th. For more information on VDACS’ program go to http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown/.