Farming Fun and New Ways to Trade
July 2012
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Greetings!
Welcome friends to our first News & Events communication!
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, we at Equal Dollars have been reflecting on all the wonderful things that come along with summer. One of our favorite things is fresh, locally grown produce which thrives during these hot summer days. But we asked ourselves: how do we and members of our community get access to more of this produce at reasonable prices? Well, we have recently created an Urban Farm in North Philadelphia in order to grow our own produce to sell for Equal Dollars at our food markets. Check out the "Know your Farmer, Know your Produce" article below for details!
The Equal Dollars Community Currency is comprised of businesses and individuals committed to strengthening the local economy of the Greater Philadelphia region. Equal Dollar members exchange goods and services with one another using Equal Dollars as the common unit of exchange. Our goal is to build a community where members will be able to use Equal Dollars to partially (and in some cases fully) to get food, prescriptions, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, tutoring services and much more. Through Equal Dollars, members can obtain these goods and services at affordable prices.
So strap on those sandals, grab some lemonade, and come buy some locally grown produce this summer!
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 Know your Farmer, Know your Food
Do you know where your food is coming from?
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 The next time you're browsing through the produce section of your local grocery store or mega-store, ask yourself: Where does this food come from? Is it shipped in from another state or even another country? Many of us desire to feed our families and ourselves fresh, local produce. Not only does it taste better and fresher but it may be healthier than what you find in the supermarket. Also, buying local means your money stays in your neighborhood helping your community. Sure, local produce is great but sometimes it can be expensive -- and hard to find!  Here at Equal Dollars Community Currency, we want to make it easier for our members to access fresh, healthy and affordable local food. That's why we cleaned up a vacant lot in North Philadelphia and began growing lots of tasty things there! Not only will Equal Dollars members be able to buy produce from our new urban farm using Equal Dollars but they can receive more Equal Dollars for volunteering at the farm. We have reoccurring volunteer days for people to help us plant, clean up the beds, pick produce and lots more! Also, come out to our Monday food markets to see what fresh, local produce we're selling for Equal Dollars! Just check the "local produce" table. If you live outside the Philadelphia area and want to stay updated on our urban farm progress then follow us on Facebook and view photo updates by clicking here! Knowing where your food comes from and buying local produce can give you peace of mind and can help make your meals even more delicious! To learn tips and recipes on how to cook some of the produce we sell at our Equal Dollars market, check out our monthly column below called "What is THAT?!?" |
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New Ways to Trade
Buy and sell with Equal Dollars online
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Missed our usual Monday food market? Live outside the Philadelphia region and don't know where to spend your Equal Dollars? Try our new online marketplace! You can post items, product and services you'd like to sell for Equal Dollars (or a combo of Equals and US Dollars) and also buy things! Right now we have gift cards, electronics, games, bikes, house cleaning services and MORE!
To sign up for Equal Dollars and log into your online account click here. Already have an Equal Dollars account and want to check out the marketplace? Click here!
Happy trading! |
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What is THAT?!?
We'll help you identify mysterious foods and turn them into delicious meals
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Have you ever come across a long, skinny, green vegetable at the Equal Dollars food market or grocery store and thought to yourself, "What in the world is that and how would I possibly cook it?" Well, you're in luck! That curious looking vegetable is a scallion, a long-necked onion with a small bulb at the end.
Scallions are quick and easy to cook in a variety of ways. So, come out to the food market, buy some scallions, and cook cheese and scallion enchiladas, mashed potatoes with scallions, or scallion pancakes. Or, simply cut them up to throw in your favorite salad!
Click here for these scallion recipes & many more!
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Equal Dollars Member Spotlight
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 For Equal Dollars Community Currency, supporting a healthy local economy also means supporting the health of our community. Denise Littles became an Equal Dollars member 3 and a half years ago when she began working for Resources for Human Development. Denise shops at the Equal Dollar Food Market every Monday where she finds a wide array of healthy food options for her and her family. "Equal Dollars teaches families about healthy eating by allowing individuals to save on fruits and vegetables, " Denise says. In this economy, families often rely on inexpensive and unhealthy fast food options and the Equal Dollars Food Market offers a healthy alternative. Denise uses Equal Dollars towards her prescription co-payments at the SQA Pharmacy located at RHD's Central Office. Equal Dollars Community Currency recognizes the importance of healthy living and helps to alleviate our members of the enormous expenses of health care. Denise earns Equal Dollars by donating clothing, volunteering at the food market and taking Zumba classes! Healthy living and wellness is just one of the many reasons for being an active Equal Dollars Community Currency member! |
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Our monthly newsletter is a way to keep our members informed of Equal Dollars updates and opportunities. If you are not an Equal Dollars member and wish to become one, please visit our website www.equaldollars.org, to sign up!
Happy Trading,
Your Equal Dollars Team
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 | | Market volunteer, Sheila Carter |
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The ultimate goal of Equal Dollars is to foster an environment of giving. Through Equal Dollars, members are able to buy in abundance and not only benefit themselves, but also those around them.
Meet Sheila Carter, who enthusiastically participates in the philanthropic environment. Watch her tell her story above!
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July Events
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Member BBQ at Urban Farm
July 20, 2012, 6-10pm
Join us for an evening of outdoor fun and food at the Equal Dollars Urban Farm! Get to know you fellow members and meet the folks that make it all happen. Mark your calendars, more details to come!
1-2:30pm
4700 Wissahickon Ave
Purchase produce, bread, canned goods and much more every week! Click Here for More Info Treasure Chest Boutique
7/11, 7/18, 7/25 1-3pm 4700 Wissahickon Ave Browse a wide selection of clothing, homewares and specialty items. Donations accepted! Click Here for More Info
July Urban Farm Work Days
Mondays 11am-7pm
Tuesday 2-7pm
Thursdays 2-7pm
Saturdays 11am-4pm
3229 N. 17th Street
Come help us on our Urban Farm and get Equal Dollars for your service!
Email info@equaldollars.org for more information.
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