by Cheryl Muñoz
Founder, The Sugar Beet Co-op
Together with Faith in Place and the Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation, The Sugar Beet Co-op is hosting a winter market next weekend.
In preparation for the market I wanted to do some quick research in order to compile a table to list the vendors, their offerings and their websites. I asked my husband to watch the kids for an hour so that I could finish this relatively quick project for our newsletter, The Weekly Beet.
So, two hours into this "quick project" I am still reading and scrolling through website after website, captivated by the stories I am finding.
Three hours later, I ask my husband to join me as I read all about these amazing and amusing farmers that we will meet next weekend. He has to hear all about Lester the Bison Herder! (We are already planning a visit to the ranch.)
We chat about farm tours and read more until the kids need our attention.
I finished my work, finally, and sent off the newsletter (you can subscribe here).
I have included my research here for your enjoyment. I urge you to read about a local bison rancher who loves to watch his herd frolic, a family that poses for wedding photos on their tractor (take a day off!), and a woman who describes her passion for organic farming with the soulful cadence of Barbara Kingsolver. Gorgeous.
I've had the pleasure of playing pen pal with these farmers and producers over the last month. (You would not believe the paperwork it takes to sell food... that's another story).
I can't wait to meet them, buy as much of their food as I can, and get to know them a little better. I hope you'll join me.
Farmer Joel Salatin said:
"Know your food, know your farmers, and know your kitchen."
I could not agree more.
Winter Farmers' Market
Saturday, Jan. 18 2014 9am-1pm
Unity Temple 875 Lake St. Oak Park, IL
cheryl@sugarbeetcoop.com for more info
www.sugarbeetcoop.com
