Green Guru Network

Down to Earth Markets

Before we cue Auld Lang Syne, we want to toast to an exciting food trend of 2012. In a report issued last week by the research consultants at The Hartman Group, they described a "tectonic shift in food culture," as more and more people are eating and drinking with intention. 

This is wonderful news to local farmers and food producers. Everyday in their businesses, they work with intention -- with the purpose -- to make real food in tandem with good care of our environment. Not only do they create food, they create community. When we shop at the farmers market, together we all build local farms and the regional economy. We voice our support for a strong connection to our food sources. 

At Down to Earth Markets, as we look to 2013, we resolve to keep building farmers markets that open opportunities for the intention of good food. It's not a pie-in-the-sky resolution. It's not one that will leap out of the gates on January 1st, only to fizzle by the 31st. It's a resolution that we've been working on since 1991 and plan to grow for a long time to come. 

From Greenpeace volunteer in 1978, to Sustainability Coordinator for the County of Westchester, and to her current position as Managing Director of Green Guru Network Lea has been an avid proponent of sustainable issues for over 30 years. She pioneered green local social media, developed municipal and state climate action and sustainability  plans, spearheaded large scale municipal biofuel and environmentally preferred procurement programs, consults for large scale recycling and waste reduction projects, energy efficiency policy and local agriculture systems and sustanable tourisim for governments, non-profits and private entities. She was recently honored by 914Inc magazine as one of Westchester County's Most Influential Women. 

We are lucky to live in an area rich with wonderful farm projects year round.  This time of year, local farms are revving up their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs.  Signing up for a CSA means you get to pick up regular allotments of assorted seasonal produce - sure to be extremely fresh and packaged in ample amounts.

Winter Sun Farms, in New Paltz, has a great CSA program with a variety of pick-up spots scattered up and down the Hudson Valley and into New York City.  They are taking sign-ups now!  Click "pick-up spots" above, or the "Become a Member" tab on their homepage to join.  Think you might not be able to finish all the produce without help?  Consider splitting the cost and the produce with a friend or neighbor.  Check out Chronogram's comprehensive list of Hudson Valley CSAs and Hilltop Hanover Farm's CSA offering.

Despite the cold weather, Hudson Valley farmers are still growing and harvesting.  If a CSA membership isn't for you, check out your nearest winter market location, support our local agriculture, and enjoy the freshest produce possible throughout the winter.