|
|
|
Hamburg, Iowa —
Fresh produce? Got it. Homemade breads, jellies and jams? Got them. Pies and cookies just like mom used to make? Check. A family event in and of itself? Definitely.
The farmer’s market at Hillside Orchard, just north of Hamburg, is set to open for the season Friday, June 12, at 5 p.m., come rain or shine.
With an ever-increasing roster of vendors in the market’s third year, market manager Lisa Phillips is hoping for the best season yet.
The core group of five vendors met last Thursday to finalize the start date and time for the market as well as go over the approved items and brainstorm marketing ideas.
“This isn’t the Hillside Orchard’s farmer’s market, it’s ours,” Phillips said. “What I envision for the farmer’s market is not for one person making all the decisions but rather a group of people running it.”
Ideas explored include contacting Faith in Action to see if they can transport people from town to the orchard as well as places to contact about advertising.
“We’re growing and are always looking for new vendors. A vendor doesn’t have to be here every week. They can come when it works for them,” she said.
Approved items that can be sold include fresh in-season fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs, baked items, flowers, honey, jams, jellies, noodles, pasta, started plants and homemade craft items.
“I’d love to have more crafty items,” Phillips said.
The mission statement of the market is to revitalize local farms, provide fresh produce to urban populations and create a vibrant local community.
“I want it to grow and be a big community thing,” she said.
The market is more than just people shopping — it’s an event.
“A lot of people stay and have a bite to eat and sit outside and visit. Sometimes we have hayrack rides going through the orchard. It’s more than just a farmer’s market,” Phillips said.
Several farmer’s market vendors are approved to accept vouchers for various nutrition programs. The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and the Iowa Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program (ISFMNP) allow low-income families or seniors to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and berries at area farmers markets.
According to the USDA, the Iowa Senior Farmer’s Market food-benefit program targets low-income, nutritionally-at-risk seniors (individuals 60 years of age or older) and provides vouchers to them for the purchase of $30 worth of fresh Iowa-grown fruits and vegetables from certified vendors.
If you have questions about eligibility, please check with your local senior center. Applications for the vouchers will be available at your local senior center. Your application guarantees you a booklet, but there is a limited number, so contact your local senior center if you are interested in these vouchers.
The Hillside Orchard Farmer’s Market is every Friday from 5-7 p.m.
Fresh produce? Got it. Homemade breads, jellies and jams? Got them. Pies and cookies just like mom used to make? Check. A family event in and of itself? Definitely.
The farmer’s market at Hillside Orchard, just north of Hamburg, is set to open for the season Friday, June 12, at 5 p.m., come rain or shine.
With an ever-increasing roster of vendors in the market’s third year, market manager Lisa Phillips is hoping for the best season yet.
The core group of five vendors met last Thursday to finalize the start date and time for the market as well as go over the approved items and brainstorm marketing ideas.
“This isn’t the Hillside Orchard’s farmer’s market, it’s ours,” Phillips said. “What I envision for the farmer’s market is not for one person making all the decisions but rather a group of people running it.”
Ideas explored include contacting Faith in Action to see if they can transport people from town to the orchard as well as places to contact about advertising.
“We’re growing and are always looking for new vendors. A vendor doesn’t have to be here every week. They can come when it works for them,” she said.
Approved items that can be sold include fresh in-season fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs, baked items, flowers, honey, jams, jellies, noodles, pasta, started plants and homemade craft items.
“I’d love to have more crafty items,” Phillips said.
The mission statement of the market is to revitalize local farms, provide fresh produce to urban populations and create a vibrant local community.
“I want it to grow and be a big community thing,” she said.
The market is more than just people shopping — it’s an event.
“A lot of people stay and have a bite to eat and sit outside and visit. Sometimes we have hayrack rides going through the orchard. It’s more than just a farmer’s market,” Phillips said.
Several farmer’s market vendors are approved to accept vouchers for various nutrition programs. The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and the Iowa Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program (ISFMNP) allow low-income families or seniors to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and berries at area farmers markets.
According to the USDA, the Iowa Senior Farmer’s Market food-benefit program targets low-income, nutritionally-at-risk seniors (individuals 60 years of age or older) and provides vouchers to them for the purchase of $30 worth of fresh Iowa-grown fruits and vegetables from certified vendors.
If you have questions about eligibility, please check with your local senior center. Applications for the vouchers will be available at your local senior center. Your application guarantees you a booklet, but there is a limited number, so contact your local senior center if you are interested in these vouchers.
The Hillside Orchard Farmer’s Market is every Friday from 5-7 p.m.
