A Forum for The People in the Galesburg area

Because local foods are such a hot issue right now, it seems like a great time to focus on improving our local Farmers' Market. It's a good market, but with adequate sponsoring support it could be amazing -- and a much greater asset for the community.

The possibilities are endless. What about a year-round market with indoor stalls in the winter months (think pies and breads, cookies, jams and jellies, honey, herbs in window pots, plus gift items and home decor), maybe in the Armory? With adequate support, we can have a consistent free-range egg vendor, and even hormone-free milk and milk products (yoghurt, cream, cheese blocks, and cheese curds).

If we do become more dependent on foods grown and produced locally, the Farmers' Market can be a key component of food security. Neighborhood youth can work the community gardens and bring home food for their families -- and, along with adults who've participated, can sell the excess at the market.

The market needs sponsorship that understands the issue of local foods. The community benefits directly when food is grown locally. Fewer resources are used, the money stays in the community, and the buyer can inquire directly about the growing practices of the producer, establishing a relationship with the one who grows their food.

Right now the Market is costly for vendors to attend -- $15 a week or $150 for the entire 27-week season, May 2 - October 31. Vendors have proposed by-laws, but have little power to enact them. The vendor money is pooled and used for other events, too, and no accounting of fund disbursement has been forthcoming. Working together, we can make the Market bloom into something even more beneficial to the Galesburg area community.

I am the Internet contact for the group. Farmers' Market vendors, the Market manager, and everyone interested in local foods and sustainability issues is strongly encouraged to participate. If you're motivated to make the Galesburg Farmers' Market what it could be, pm me here, or send an e-mail to diana@thepeopleingalesburg.org, and let's get moving!