New
Hampshire Eat Local Month
& Farmers' Market Week
Granite Staters are invited to spend August discovering and enjoying all that
our farmers have to offer with New Hampshire Eat Local Month & National Farmers' Market Week. Create your own localvore challenge or follow the weekly themes below:
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Enjoy the harvest!
Jen Risley
Hannah Grimes Center Program Coordinator
Monadnock Localvore Project Steering Committee Member
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Monadnock Localvore Project Deep Economy Book DiscussionWednesday, August 19, 5:30-7pm,
Hannah Grimes Center, Keene
Celebrate NH Eat Local Month with some food for thought: Join
our book discussion on Chapter 2 - The Year of Local Eating from Bill
McKibben's, Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable
Future. Come share your hopes for the future of our region's food
system. Register here.
Guiding Question:
What, from Chapter 2, inspires you to help build a more local and vibrant economy and community?
Feel free to bring local treats and beverages, too. Don't forget to shop local too: order your book from the Toadstool Bookstore. If they don't have it in stock, they can usually order it for you within two business days.
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View the 2009 Monadnock Localvore Calendar. |
Throughout August, New Hampshire will celebrate NH Eat Local Month 2009. One of four themes promoted by this important event is "food preservation." For those interested in learning how to enjoy that hard-earned harvest, well into our cold New England winter, on August 18th Lisa Beaudoin, owner of Herban Living Farm-and its fledgling Environmental Education Center (in its second year)-will present a workshop titled "Preparing the Harvest: What to do with it all?"
Beaudoin will cover simple techniques to store food, such as pickling, freezing, and more. What does she hope participants will leave with? "I want them to be inspired that they'll have the tools to put some food away for the winter. If people know how to make tomato sauce, or homemade pickles...or freeze -- an easy way of food storage -- with this knowledge there's less food coming from long distances," she says, adding, "...eating food as close to home as possible is the most nutrient-dense and earth-friendly. I've always known it to be economical."
Befitting her whole philosophy of raising local, organic food, supporting sustainability, and giving back to the land and community, Beaudoin emphasizes an additional event (September 20th and Oct.18th) titled "Out Standing in their Field." With each event -- a collaboration between the Center and chef Mike Webb from Peterborough's Pearl Restaurant -- guests literally dine in her farm field. The fundraiser/food celebration includes a meal of chickens raised on the farm, plus other items either grown on the farm or from other local farms and the moving sound of local music.
Proceeds from the meal cover free events, as well as the farm's food donation program. This year, Herban Living Farm will donate approximately 10 to 15 percent of its produce to a Peterborough non-profit that serves families at risk. "A lot of people don't know how to cook these densely nutritious foods," Beaudoin says. "This past spring, families involved with the non-profit came to the farm with their children to experience the planting process, while getting to know where their food comes from. In the fall, the same families return to harvest some food and prepare it in a way that's tasty. Parents are empowered...more aware."
Herban Living Farm also operates a B&B, an organic CSA (now in its 6th season), a new-this-year farmstand (all local foods), and, available this October, fresh pasture-raised organic chicken.
Beaudoin says ten years ago, "bio-regional" was the catch-phrase, when eating local was not a popular food trend. "But now, the campaign for eating local has taken off," she says. "And that's fantastic! People are asking, what is the ecological footprint of what I'm eating?" Learning to preserve our local bounty is an exciting and economical extension of growing or buying fresh, nutritious local foods. For more information on Herban Living Farm visit its website athttp://www.herbanlivingbandb.com/SpecEvent.htm.
Fresh From the Farm FlyerAugust: Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the few fruits that are native to the US, playing a large role in the diets of Native Americans and soldiers in the Civil War. These versatile berries can be incorporated into any meal of the day, working well with other sweet flavors, and also in savory dishes (such as sauces for meats). July was National Blueberry Month, but why not celebrate them in August as well?
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Grafton Village Cheese
at the Hannah Grimes Marketplace
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 From the Grafton Village Cheese Website: Grafton, Vermont is a likely setting for a world-class cheddar.
Cheesemaking traditions in this historic village date from the 19th
century. The Grafton Cooperative Cheese Company was founded in 1892 by
dairy farmers who gathered together in a cooperative to make their
surplus milk into cheese. In the days before refrigeration, there were
many such cooperatives in the rural agricultural communities and an
abundance of fresh, creamy milk was turned into a food that could be
stored for a longer period of time.
The cheese company is part of the Grafton based Windham Foundation,
whose mission is to promote Vermont's rural communities. When you
purchase Grafton Village Cheese, you directly support this foundation's mission!
Looking to take the ultimate
Localvore Challenge?
Commit to eating only food grown and processed within 150 miles of your home for a meal, day, week, or whatever you're up for. Need help locating localvore products? Look for the localvore shelf labels at the Hannah Grimes Marketplace. Each label includes the farm and town where each product was grown or processed.
5% of all Marketplace food profits go to the
Monadnock Localvore Project
Education Initiatives.
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Local Needs & Offerings
Summer Camp Slots Open: Spaces
are available for ages 9-12 for August 3-6. Farm Camp is all about harvesting, cooking, the joy and honor of hard, dirty
work, and youth empowerment. This past week, the youngest campers (5-7)
harvested the season's first Lodi apples, and prepared their own apple pie and
ice cream from scratch, felted with local wool, moved our chickens to new
pasture and enjoyed their obvious delight, and learned to grow and protect
garden plants without chemicals. Scholarships available. For questions, email or call: Lisa Holderness, Deer Ridge Farm & Farm Camp, 802-254-3540, vermontfarmcamp@comcast.net, http://www.vermontfarmcamp.org.
Poultry Meat Processing Available: Some slots available for the processing of
your home grown poultry and waterfowl. Vermont Country Meats will travel at 20 cents per mile to your house or farm and
process your birds for you on your time schedule. There is a minimum number of
birds (20). Per bird charges are $4
for chickens and $10 for turkeys and waterfowl with a $25 set-up fee. Contact: Robert McKitty, 802-238-2846, Vermont Country Meats, VtCountryMeats@AOL.COM.
AmeriCorps Positions Available: The Cheshire
County Conservation District will hire two AmeriCorps members to work with on
their Monadnock Farm and Community Connection Program. It is a full time
position, lasting one year from the start day. The ideal candidates will
have interest in supporting the local food system through volunteer management
and event planning, as well as interest in laying the foundation for an
enduring partnership between Antioch University and the Conservation District
to work on regional food and farm issues. Interested individuals can apply at http://www.americorps.gov. More information: Amanda Costello, 603.756.2988 ext.116, amanda.costello@nh.nacdnet.net.
NOFA NH
Call For Presenters: NOFA NH is seeking presenters for our March 6, 2010 Winter Conference. If you
are interested in presenting, please send us the following information: Your
name, Contact info, Workshop Title, Workshop description, Intended audience. Our workshops are 1.25 hr in length. Presenters receive free vendor space.
Selection is a committee decision. Contact: James Ramanek, NOFANHWC@operamail.com.
Nigerian Dwarf Goats Available: Buck and a wether available, contact Jill for details at jilln@sover.net.
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Chunky Broccoli Soup
With Rosemary & Dill Flower
From Katrina Hall, She's In the Kitchen Blog I've been missing broccoli lately. The farmer's markets are loaded with so many glories of the season, especially berries and fruits, that greens have taken a back seat. Lots of swiss chard and my own homegrown kale, but broccoli has gone missing. So today I made a chunky broccoli soup, loaded with garlic, rosemary, and dill flowers - just what I was wanting for a light lunch. I also drifted through the garden, picking herbs and flowers for bouquets and garnishes. The bouquet above has a little of everything - I didn't even notice that the pea shoots had mature peapods until I made the bouquet! Good enough - I popped one in the first cup of soup and nibbled it as I dawdled over lunch.
This soup cooks up quickly and is meant to be served at room temperature, leaving you lots of time for naps and the Sunday paper.
 To make enough for 3-4:
2 T. olive oil ( or half butter, half oil)
2 cloves garlic, minced
about 3-4 cups broccoli, chopped, stems separate
1 onion, chopped
2 cups chicken or veggie stock
2 T. fresh rosemary, picked off stem
1 T. fresh dill and dill flowers
salt
freshly cracked pepper
In pot, heat olive oil until hot. Add the garlic and onions and turn down heat to medium. Stir gently, then add the broccoli stems and cook 15 minutes.
Add the stock, broccoli florets, rosemary and dill. Cook covered until the broccoli is just tender. Using an immersion blender, blend soup a bit at a time, stopping when the soup has a thick, chunky texture. Taste and add salt and pepper. Serve with a smile and a daylily!
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 Free Samples At the Farmers' Market of Keene Saturday, August 1, 9am - Noon
Gilbo Ave., Keene
Expand your taste buds' experience; try a new variety of local and in season produce this summer. The Monadnock Localvore Project will host a Variety Tasting on August 1, 2009 9am - noon at the Farmers' Market of Keene on Gilbo Avenue. There will be a variety of free samples bought from farmers' market vendors. If you like what you taste, you can buy it right from the source. There will be no charge for samples, however donations are appreciated.
 Chickens!
Children's Activities at the Farmers Market of Keene
Saturday, August 1,
9am - Noon
Gilbo Ave., Keene
Learn about our feathered friends and their role on the farm. Egg puzzles, egg dissection, and a story! Children and their caretakers can participate in these fun and educational activities. Sponsored by Stonewall Farm.
Eat Local Month Farmer's Market Activities For Kids Tuesdays in August, 10am - 1pmFarmers' Market of Keene
Learn about ideas for
summer fun that also connect you to local food and farmers in the Monadnock
Region. Tuesdays in August there will be kid's crafts and
activities at the Farmers' Market of Keene. Bring your
family and come down to Gilbo Avenue
to help celebrate New Hampshire Eat Local Month by learning more about ideas
for summer fun that also connect you to local food and farmers in the Monadnock
Region. For more information please contact the Cheshire
County Conservation District at 603-756-2988 ext.116 or amanda.costello@nh.nacdnet.net. This event is sponsored by the Cheshire County Conservation District's
Monadnock Farm and Community Connection Program, The Monadnock Localvore
Project, Stonewall Farm, Hannah Grimes Center, and the Keene Sentinel.
Food, Inc.
August 7, Film Times Coming Soon!
Colonial Theatre, Keene
In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our
nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that
has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our
government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. More at: http://www.foodincmovie.com/about-the-film.php.
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Preparing the Harvest: What to Do With It All?
Tuesday, August 16, 6pm
Herban Living Environmental Education Center, Temple
Pickling, freezing, drying-traditional and simple steps to store your food. $5/person, RSVP preferred: 603-878-0459; http://www.herbanlivingbandb.com/SpecEvent.htm.
Eat, Drink, Community
Keene Young Professional Network Coffee and Community
Friday, August 21, 7:30 - 9:30am
Keene
The next
Coffee and Community- Eat, Drink, Community- will feature guest speakers
discussing local CSA's and include a coffee tasting.
This event will be held from 7:30-9:00 am. Cost if $5
per person which includes breakfast, coffee and of course community - http://kypncoffeeandcommunity2.eventbrite.com.
 Bike for Bovines
Sunday, August 23, 7:30am
Stonewall Farm, KeeneThis 10+ mile mountain bike race is a fundraiser to support Stonewall Farm's many programs and initiatives which promote responsible, sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship. Bikers from Beginner to Pro are welcome to register and the whole family will have fun participating in various farm- and bike-related activities. Race-day spectator activities include hayrides, kids coloring table, a
bouncy house and refreshments. Be sure to check out our grounds,
gardens, small animals, hiking trails, dairy barn, farm stand or
playground! Complete event information at http://www.stonewallfarm.org/bikeforbovines.html. Local Food Potluck
Sunday, August 23, 6pm
Herban Living Farm, Temple
Mushrooms in the Garden & Beyond
August 29, 3-6 pm,
Emerson Brook Forest, GilsumJoin Dave and Jenny Wichland for a mycological landscape workshop and a Chanterelle foray in the Emerson Brook Forest. Followed by a potluck sliding scale fee $35-45. RSVP: 603-357-2758, wichlandwoods@hotmail.com. |
NH Eat Local Month Kick-Off
Governor Lynch at Farmers' Market
Saturday, August 1, 9am
Concord Farmers' Market, Concord
Governor John Lynch
has proclaimed the month of August 2009 as NH Eat Local Month! A special kick off celebration for both NH Eat Local Month and Farmers' Market
Week will be held at the Concord Farmers' Market. NH
Commissioner of Agriculture, Lorraine Merrill will welcome Governor John Lynch
and First Lady, Dr. Susan Lynch to the market, along with many other guests,
farmers and shoppers. Visit http://www.nheatlocal.org for
event and activity information.
Transforming Our
Local Food Economy Workshop
Wednesday, August 5, 9am - 12:30pm
Location TBA
June Holley
(founder of ACEnet) will help us identify profitable ventures to make our local food economy more robust. Our local food system already has many great components, but we know
there is room to grow broader and deeper. June will help us identify
our resources, discover what the missing links might be, and how
we can help our local food enterprises grow, and be more profitable,
for all of us, from farmers to processors, markets, restaurants and
distributors.
All food leaders and resource agencies are invited to participate in
this business-to-business meeting. Ask questions or register at info@seacoastlocal.org
or 603-766-1775.
Seacoast
Local has organized this interactive workshop to increase the
percentage of local food in sold and eaten in NH and across New
England, as part of our 10% Shift campaign to strengthen our local economy. Join us!
NOFA Summer Conference
Friday - Sunday, August 7-9
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA Saturday keynoter, Will Allen will speak on Saturday, August 8th at 7:00 pm. Unfortunately, many still think of organic, healthy food as something that is an option only for the elite few who can afford to pay higher prices. Will believes that we can change that, and he has made it his life's work to show people how. Why you should Attend? Thirty-four years of outstanding conferences. You don't want to miss the 35th. Here are some of the reasons why: Over 170 workshops on organic farming, gardening and land care, homesteading, sustainability, nutrition, spirituality, food politics, activism, and much, much more; http://www.nofasummerconference.org.
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Springfield Area Farm & Garden Tour
Saturday, August 8, 10am
Meet at Springfield Food Co-op, Springfield, VT
The first visit will be to the Community Garden at the Springfield Family
Center. We'll see what people working together can do to grow food for
those in need. Then on to Lindsay and Brian's garden
on Commonwealth Ave.
These two take gardening seriously. Next stop is Jamie and Heather's
homestead just off Rte 11 between Springfield
and Chester,
where they grow veggies and raise livestock in their own unique style.
Cindy and Roger's market garden, off
the Green Mtn. Turnpike in Chester
is the last stop on the tour. Expanding beyond growing for themselves
to help
feed their friends and neighbors has kept these two busy. Please
bring a brown bag lunch, or buy one-
there are plenty of delicious and healthy options at the Coop.
Questions? Call Sharon Mueller at 802-885-8094,
or email sharonm@vermontel.net.
Grow Food Everywhere!
School Gardens and Greenhouses
Thursday, August 13, 3 - 6p.m
Seeds of Solidarity, Orange, MA
This popular back to school workshop features school garden and greenhouse techniques, curriculum connections, and building community partnerships. Join a most important element of the local food revolution: fresh food for all children. Geared toward educators, all are welcome. $15 covers materials and refreshments. Location: Seeds of Solidarity, Orange, MA. Fills fast, call or email to reserve your spot. 978-544-9023 or solidarity@seedsofsolidarity.org.
Artisanal Cheese Making Class
Friday-Sunday, August 14 - 16
Three Shepards Farm, Warren, VT
Whether
you are a cheese lover who wants to learn more about your favorite
food, or are interested in making cheese regularly as a hobby or
business, you will find that this course will provide you with a great
foundation in the science and artistry of cheesemaking. In this traditional class you learn to make seven
different artisanal cheeses and sample some of the world's best cheeses throughout the weekend,
along will a fantastic array of local fare in the lunches and during
the renowned Vermont Farmstead Dinner on Saturday evening. Contact: Dr. Larry and Linda Faillace, 802-496-3998, http://www.threeshepardscheese.com.
PESTOPALOOZA!
Saturday, August 15, 1 - 4pm
Stockbridge Farm, South Deerfield, MA
Come for the annual celebration of BASIL, queen of herbs. Attend free cooking demonstrations, ongoing throughout the afternoon, and visit the tasting table to sample more than twenty varieties of basil. Fill your senses with a walk through the herb and vegetable garden, and leave with inspiration for bringing great local food to your table. We will have several varieties of basil available for sale. Admission is free - http://www.stockbridgeherbs.com.
Kids Week at the Farm
Monday-Friday, August 17-21, 9am-1pm
D Acres, Dorchester
D Acres welcomes youth to participate in real farm activities, including feeding the pigs and chickens, gathering eggs, harvesting food from the gardens, and preparing and eating it in a tasty, healthy lunch. Young people will be encouraged to marvel at the diversity of life at the farm, and begin to see how plants, animals, insects, and others all work together in a healthy ecological system. Participating children will see that for the farm, and the world beyond, to work, ants, bugs and worms are no less important than oxen, trees, and people. Daily visits to the farm will feed the curiosity children naturally exhibit while fostering growth in a fun and exciting environment. $200 (sliding scale and family discounts available- contact us for more information!). More information at http://www.dacres.org/Workshops%20&%20Events.htm.
Yes You Can:
Preserving Fruits and Vegetables Safely at Home
Thursday, August 20, 5:00-7:30 pm
Concord Food Co-op, Concord
As
interest grows in eating locally and gardening, consumers are also
re-kindling their interest in home food preservation. Home canning can
save money, provide quality, nutritious food for your family, and be a
satisfying and rewarding experience. However, improperly canned foods
can be a source of wasted food, money, time, frustration, and illness.
Whether you have "put food by" before or would like to try canning for
the first time, join this hands-on workshop to hear and practice the
most up-to-date information on home canning. You will prepare and
process chili salsa, and take home samples of the results! Instructor: Marilyn Sullivan, Educator, UNH Cooperative Extension. Pre-registration required, call 603- 225-6840 or stop in the Concord Coop store.
Build Your Garden UP!
NOFA-NH Raised Bed Gardening & Garden Tour
Saturday, August 22, 10am
Pittsfield, NH
Are
you a lazy home gardener? Welcome to raised beds, self-watering
containers, and berms, the easiest ways to grow healthy organic
vegetables and flowers! Tour hosts Marie Shaffer and Jerry Foster will
cover construction, filling, planting, and maintenance all in
inexpensive raised beds, self-watering pots, and berms which can grow
just about anything, even atop our rocky ledge. (Hint: soil makes the
difference!) They'll even give you their recipe for the least expensive
organic fertilizer. Marie and Jerry are active homeowners interested in
do-it-yourself low-impact sustainability, even under difficult
conditions. Marie is a UNH Master Gardener. Marie and Jerry have spent
4 summers growing organic veggies/herbs; Marie has grown ornamentals
for 25 years. Directions: Please email info@nofanh.org for directions to the host's address.
Peach Festival
Friday-Sunday, August 21-23
Fountain Park, Wilbraham, MA
Join Rice Fruit Farm at the 25th annual Peach Festival. Live music, lots of peaches from our orchards, and more. http://www.peachfestival.org.
9th Annual Tomato Festival
Saturday, August 22, Noon - 5pm
Red Fire Farm, Granby, MA
A Summer Extravaganza to Celebrate the Beauty and Bounty of the Season. Sample over 70 varieties of heirloom and hybrid tomatoes plus all kinds of local products from cheeses to bread to pickles to salsa. Run or walk in the 5k Tomato Trot. Be inspired to eat well and locally by award winning culinary writer, Janet Fletcher and guest chefs including Christina Perillo of PBS. Enjoy work by local artisans, kids activities, pick your own tomatoes, and live music by local bands all afternoon while touring the farm - events@redfirefarm.com, 413-467-SOIL, http://www.redfirefarm.com.
Special NH Growers Dinner
To Benefit the NH Food Bank
Monday, August 24
Capital Center for the Arts, Concord
This dinner featuring all New Hampshire products, will be catered by the NH Food Bank's Recipe for Success culinary training program and will be held at the Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord. Governor Lynch has been invited. More information on menu, time and reservations coming soon! Keep updated at, visit http://www.nhfarmtorestaurant.com/grower-dinners.htm. |
August is NH Eat Local Month
August
2-8 is NH Farmers' Market Week
From Granite State Home & Garden
By Gail McWilliam
Jellie, Director, Division of Agricultural
Development NH, Dept. of
Agriculture, Markets & Food |
Governor John Lynch has proclaimed the month of
August 2009 as NH Eat Local Month! Each of the four weeks of the month has a
theme: "Visit a Farmers Market", "Family to the Farm" (visit a farmstand or
farm), "Share the Harvest" (providing food for those in need), and
"Looking Ahead" (preserving and storing food for the winter). Last year, the
first week of August was declared "NH Eat Local Week", and was marked
by local dinners and other events, and more interest is anticipated in this
month long celebration of New Hampshire's
farmers and their harvest.
New Hampshire residents and
visitors, alike, are showing unprecedented interest in local food, and this
month long celebration offers a great opportunity to feature New
Hampshire grown foods. Visit www.nheatlocal.org for event and activity
information.
As part of the NH Eat Local Month festivities, the week of
August 2-8 has been proclaimed as New Hampshire Farmers' Market Week, by
Governor Lynch. It also coincides with
the 10th annual National Farmers' Market Week, saluting farmers'
markets all across America.
Direct marketing of farm products through farmers markets is
an important sales outlet for agricultural producers nationwide. Farmers
markets have continued to rise in popularity, mostly due to the growing
consumer interest in obtaining fresh products directly from the farm. The
number of farmers markets in the United States
has been growing steadily, according to US Dept. of Agriculture figures, with
over 4,800 farmers markets operating in the United
States.
New Hampshire has also seen
tremendous growth in farmers markets, with nearly 80 markets operating
throughout New Hampshire today. The NH Dept. of Agriculture, Markets &
Food and the NH Farmers' Market Association support the development and
operation of farmers' markets and other direct marketing activities for
agricultural producers. Farmers' markets
offer products such as farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, meat and dairy
products, baked goods, flowers and much more. Learn more about New
Hampshire farmers' markets at the NH Farmers' Market
Association website: http://www.nhfma.org/.
Find a list of New Hampshire
farmers' markets at: http://agriculture.nh.gov/publications/documents/farmersmarket.pdf.
Local farmers' markets will be celebrating Farmers' Market Week with a variety
of events such as demonstrations, food tastings, music, entertainment, and
more. A special kick off
celebration for both NH Eat Local Month and Farmers' Market Week will be held
on August 1st, 9 am at the Concord Farmers' Market. NH Commissioner of
Agriculture, Lorraine Merrill will welcome Governor John Lynch and First Lady,
Dr. Susan Lynch to the market, along with many other guests, farmers and
shoppers.
For more information, contact Gail McWilliam Jellie at the
NH Dept. of Agriculture, Markets & Food, 25 Capitol St., Concord, NH 03302-2042, Tel. 271-3788, email: gmcwilliam@agr.state.nh.us,
website: www.agriculture.nh.gov.
Stay Up-To-Date & Meet
Monadnock Localvores on Facebook.
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Monadnock Localvore Project
2009 Sponsors
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