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!

We have been meeting informally at the Galesburg Farmers' Market on Saturday mornings, with snippets of conversation between setup, beginning around 6:30 AM, and closing at noon. Around 10:30 or 11 AM the Market slows some, and this is a great time for more in-depth talk.

Because Market hours, 8-noon, are also an income-earning time for the Market vendors, talk has been brief, but chock-full of information, anecdotes and insights. It's an interesting mix of wisdoms and experiences, with many producer-only vendors committed to bringing the best quality produce and products at fair prices to their buyers. The Galesburg vendor group is interested in bettering the Market, promoting it in the media, hosting special events (like Guest Chefs), and making this Market producer-only, which it currently is not.

The Farmers' Market is on Simmons Street, next to the Continental Men's Clothing Store across from the Kensington, half a block west of Seminary Street and a block south of Main Street in downtown Galesburg.

We really need community members to back up the local producer-only focus, and to help guide the direction of the Farmers' Market Action Group so that it clearly meets the needs of the public. If you're interested but can't make it down on Saturday mornings, you can send me an e-mail at diana@thepeopleingalesburg.org, or leave a message in the Farmers' Market Action Group folder in the Galesburg Public Library, and I will be in contact.

Thank you! --diana

I attended the first town hall meeting but was unable to do so for the last one, so hoped I could put in my two cents concerning the farmers’ market, which is a great addition to the downtown area. I, too, would like to see it producer-only, as I am the son of a farmer, and know what hard work goes into raising one’s own food. To have to compete with the ready-made and imported is not entirely fair, especially when the local producer depends on the income to assist his/her way of life, or depends upon it entirely.

Perhaps, to me, as important is finding a more conspicuous spot to show off the market. Burlington, IA has its market on the waterfront, at the Port of Burlington building, which is used as a visitor center, and it is very successful. To me, Standish Park would be an ideal place, considering the crowds seen at the Art in the Park shows and other venues there. There would certainly be more room, and it would certainly be a more pleasant atmosphere than the parking lot.

Well, these were just a couple of thoughts. Hope others join in and something can be done to promote the market even more.

If there is anyone who can occasionally commit to spending Saturday mornings, 9 AM - noon, at the Farmers' Market, running the Link machine, please let me know! This is a vital service for the Market to provide, but sometimes my work schedule makes it tough or impossible to be there. The Market runs through Halloween, October 31st, this year.

This is a great way to network with community members and Farmers' Market vendors; it's also a good place to discuss Action Group planning involving food -- we always have extra chairs, and great conversations!

What about a move to beautiful Standish Park? Could we still serve the people from the Kensington, as we do now? It's too bad there isn't a Visitor Center downtown, next to the park (it's too bad there isn't a vibrant downtown, period!).

If you can volunteer your time, please contact me, diana Mackin, at diana@thepeopleingalesburg.org and if you have ideas, PLEASE continue to post them here! Thank you.

September 18, 2009

The Market continues, Saturday mornings (through Halloween) from 8 a.m. to noon. Discussion on Market issues are ongoing, but the easiest conversations happen when the Market slows down (or Cordy is sold out) beginning around 10:30 or 11 a.m. I always have extra chairs, so come shop for home-grown veggies and homemade goodies, and talk local politics with the rest of us. My booth, which is now home to Community Garden produce, too, is right next to Cordy's Country Kitchen in the heart of the Market (near the apex of the angle formed by the two aisles lined with vendors).

We still need Link machine backup attendants -- thank you to Tanya, Knox student, who kept Link going last week when I had to leave early for work!

Please post your thoughts here on the forum at any time, or contact me, diana Mackin, at diana@thepeopleingalesburg.org. And then follow up with a trip to the Galesburg Farmers' Market next Saturday morning. (It's still on Simmons, between Kellogg and Seminary, across from the Kensington.) Hope to see you there! --diana

How to Sustain a Local Economy: From PB&J to Regional Currencies
by Mary Morgan

When The Chronicle entered the lower level meeting room of the downtown Ann Arbor library, the first things we noticed were three large trays of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cut into bite-sized wedges. As public forums go, this was an offbeat gnoshing choice.

It turned out that the sandwiches - and apples, soft drinks, potato chips and other food - were all sourced from Michigan, in keeping with the theme of Wednesday night's event. The panel discussion focused on the state's economic crisis, and how the community can respond to it. Buying local products is one example.

Starting a local currency is another possibility - the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority is funding a study to look into that.

(Full article here.)

Given the hardships faced by communities, anything that has proven to work to keep local money in the local economy is certainly worth exploring. Have you ever heard of a solidarity economy? (It's "an international movement that rejects profit-centered values and embraces cooperation, equality and local control.") We already know the benefits of local foods here in Galesburg. For Ann Arbor:

"About 1% of food consumed by residents of Washtenaw County is actually produced in the county, McCabe said. What if that were increased to 10%? Assuming that local residents spend over $1 billion annually on food, increasing consumption of locally grown food could put $100 million into the local economy, he said. Demand would drive an increase in local farming, potentially generating thousands of jobs."

Is Galesburg even at that low 1% level for local food consumption? An increase to 10% here could mean a whole lot of money staying in the Galesburg area. Defnite food for thought! --diana

And while you're waiting for the return of the Galesburg Farmers' Market, be sure to check out eatwild.com and localharvest.org!