Tag Archive for: #vancecountyregionalfarmersmarket

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market Transitioning to Fall & Winter Crops

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market

The Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM) is beginning to transition from summer produce to our fall and winter crops. While you will still find mouthwatering peaches, watermelons and cantaloupes, you will also begin to see turnips, mixed greens, and winter squashes – such as the cushaw squash –  showing up at the market.

The cushaw squash is not one that is readily found in the grocery store but is now available at your VCRFM. They are hard to miss with their vibrant green stripes and large size. This squash is extremely versatile with several delicious ways to use it!

The cushaw squash, also known as the Japanese pie pumpkin, cushaw pumpkin, and silver-seed gourd, is a species of winter squash originally from the south of Mexico. This annual herbaceous plant is cultivated in the Americas for its nutritional value; its flowers, shoots, and fruits are all harvested.

It is a large (sometimes up to 20 pounds) squash with a characteristic green and white striped pattern. It has a mildly sweet taste and behaves like a pumpkin or delicata squash when it is cooked. It is high in vitamins C and A, which make it excellent for your immune system.

The flowers are orange or yellow and bloom in July or August. The plant grows about 1 foot high and spreads 10–15 feet. It likes well-drained soil and has both male and female flowers.

It also has medicinal properties. The flesh of the squash may be used for burns and eczema.

The cushaw squash is easy to grow, resistant to pests, easy to store, versatile to cook with, good for you, inexpensive, and yummy! It preserves so well, you can enjoy cushaw all year long.

Perhaps the easiest way to use a cushaw squash (or any winter squash really) is to simply roast it in the oven. Any desired spices can be used and you can customize this however you’d like. Make big batches of roasted squashes and other vegetables on the weekend and have in the fridge to add to soups, casseroles, or other meals on busy nights.

Pick up a cushaw, cooking instructions, and sample recipes at your VCRFM this week!

What You Will Find at the Market This Week:

Beets, butter beans, cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers, eggs, eggplant, garlic, green beans, mixed greens, onions, peaches, pork, potatoes, peas, squash, tomatoes (green, red & heirloom), turnips and watermelon. We also have plenty of canned vegetables, honey, molasses, salsa, chow-chow, BBQ sauces, jellies, jams, soaps, bath salts, scented candles, cupcakes and unique handmade crafts.

Anticipated Vendors – August 25, 2018

Adcock Farm
Culver Farms Honey
Donation Station
The Eclectic Peacock
Gavin’s Grub Hub
Imperial Stitching
JW Creek Farms
LouMag Ent.
Material Blessings
Pretty Tough Stuff Jewelry
Short’s Family Farms
Winter Soap Co.

Contacts:

Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814

Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188

VCRFM open Wednesdays & Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

VCRFM Welcomes SNAP/EBT

The Farmers Market building is available for rent. Contact Annette Roberson, Vance County Cooperative Extension Center, 252-438-8188 for pricing and available dates.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Lots of Good ‘Grub’ at the Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market This Weekend

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market

Spend a relaxing morning shopping for fresh fruits and veggies at your Vance County Regional Farmers Market this Saturday – and don’t worry about fixing breakfast. We have it all ready for you. Gavin’s Grub Hub is back at the market this Saturday.

Not an early riser on the weekend? No worries. Gavin’s also has a selection of brunch/lunch items to choose from that will please any palate.

Gavin’s menu varies weekly, but you may find quiches with farmers market vegetables or ham and swiss cheese; buttermilk biscuits with sausage, egg, cheese or ham; sweet potato biscuits with your choice of fillers. Perhaps you want to try the Shrimp and Grits – sauteed jumbo shrimp with aromatic vegetables and country ham simmered in a rich pan gravy.

You may find fried green tomatoes, brined and breaded, then fried until golden brown. Delish! Of course, you will need a side of tater tots – russet or sweet potato.  Or maybe you’d prefer the french fry cut, chef dusted fried pickles. Like the fried green tomatoes, they come with your choice of ranch dipping sauce or Grub Hub sauce.

Gavin’s Grub Hub is also known for their mouthwatering sliders – beef & ham, BLTs, chicken salad, and tuna salad sandwiches. You may even find crab cake entrees with Gavin’s Grub Hub special sauce. Then there is always the chicken & waffle platter smothered in rich maple syrup or local honey.

So, are you hungry, yet? Well, come join us Wednesdays and Saturdays and stock up on the freshest, local, in-season fruits and veggies. Grab some Grub Hub chow, relax and visit with friends while you enjoy your meal, and feel good about purchasing delicious, nutritious, fresh local produce from your VCRFM.

What You Will Find at the Market This Week

Apples, beef, beets, butter beans, canary melons, cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers, eggs, eggplant, garlic, green beans, onions, okra, peaches, peppers, pork, potatoes, purple hull & crowder peas, tomatoes (green, red & heirloom) and watermelon.

We also have plenty of canned vegetables, honey, molasses, salsa, chow-chow, bbq sauces, herbs, jellies, jams, soaps, bath salts, scented candles, cut sunflowers, cupcakes and unique jewelry and handmade crafts.

Anticipated Vendors – Saturday, August 18, 2018

Adcock Farm

Culver Farms Honey

Donation Station

Faulkner Family Farms

Imperial Stitching

JASM Farms

JW Creek Farms

LouMag Ent.

Material Blessings

Pretty Tough Stuff Jewelry

Short’s Family Farms

Contacts:

Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814

Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188

VCRFM open Wednesdays & Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

VCRFM Welcomes SNAP/EBT

The Farmers Market building is available for rent. Contact Annette Roberson, Vance County Cooperative Extension Center, 252-438-8188 for pricing and available dates.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Celebrate National Farmers Week at Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market

The 2018 National Farmers Market Week 2018 is August 5 – 11. This week would be a great opportunity to get out in the community, learn more about your local farmers and produce and go home with delicious goodies for the family. Shopping your Vance County Regional Farmers Market (VCRFM) offers many benefits for individuals and the community.

Farmers markets support local economies by eliminating the “middle man” and allowing more benefits to the farmer, preserving farmland and rural livelihood. Shopping at your VCRFM also allows you to engage with other community members and learn more about where your food is coming from and the farmers who are growing it.

Saving money is another benefit of farmers markets. Since the farmers are able to sell their products directly to the consumer, prices are often lower. The VCRFM also accepts EBT/SNAP transactions for fresh produce, thus increasing the availability of fresh food for low-income families.

The produce at the VCRFM comes from local farms, guaranteeing you receive the freshest in-season produce. In-season produce is higher in nutrients and often better tasting as it is picked at the peak of freshness.

Try choosing something unique each trip to the VCRFM. Get your children involved and try a new type of produce each week.

Get to know your farmers — strike up a conversation with vendors and learn more about them. For example: Where is their farm? Do they grow organic? What is their favorite way to prepare their produce?

Plan your meals around your trip — search for recipes that allow you to implement the different foods from your trip in a different way. Your VCRFM also has seasonal recipes available for you to try.

Enjoy the weather – rain or shine (we are an indoor facility), snatch up some delicious food and support your local farmers’ markets for National Farmers Market Week.

* Excerpts taken from 8/1/18 article by Rachel Werner, registered dietitian at SSM Health/St. Mary’s

 

What You Will Find at the Market This Week – Saturday, August 4, 2018:

Apples, beets, blackberries, blueberries, butter beans, canary melons, cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers, eggs, eggplant, garlic, green beans, onions, okra, peaches, pork, potatoes, purple hull & crowder peas, squash, tomatoes (green, red & heirloom), watermelon and zucchini.

We also have plenty of canned vegetables, honey, molasses, salsa, chow-chow, bbq sauces, jellies, jams, soaps, bath salts, scented candles, cut sunflowers, cupcakes and unique handmade crafts.

Anticipated Vendors – Saturday, August 4, 2018:

Adcock Farm

Cakes Delish

Culver Farms Honey

Donation Station

Faulkner Family Farms

Glover Gifts & Crafts

Jerri’s Things

LouMag Ent.

Material Blessings

Pretty Little Cakes

Pretty Tough Stuff Jewelry

Short’s Family Farms

Woodwick Designs

Contacts:

Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814

Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188

VCRFM open Wednesdays & Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

VCRFM Welcomes SNAP/EBT

The Farmers Market building is available for rent. Contact Annette Roberson, Vance County Cooperative Extension Center, 252-438-8188 for pricing and available dates.

 

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Farmers Market Site of Second Thurs. Food Distribution, Aug. 9

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-Information courtesy Betty Boyd

The Second Thursday Food Distribution will be held at the Vance County Regional Farmers Market off Beckford Drive, Henderson, on Thursday, August 9, 2018, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This is a partnership of St. James Missionary Baptist Church and First Baptist Church offered to supplement the food resources of Vance County citizens. Recipients remain in their vehicle. No identification is required.

Contact Betty Boyd at 252-432-3967 if you would like to volunteer or have questions.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Beat Summer Boredom and Bring the Kids to the Farmers Market!

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market

Bring the Kids!

Have the kids become bored during their summer break yet? Need something to entertain them? Bring them to the Vance County Regional Farmers Market this week for a fun family outing.

The VCRFM provides you with wholesome, healthy food while you support our local community. Children are naturally curious. By meeting the farmers that actually grow the food you take home to eat, your children can ask all about where the food came from and how it was grown.

There is a huge disconnect between most Americans and their food. We’ve stopped asking where it came from or how it was raised. Bringing your kids to the farmers market lets them see what’s being grown locally and encourages them to become healthy eaters.

What You Will Find at the Market This Week

Beets, blueberries, butter beans, cantaloupes, corn, cucumbers, eggs, eggplant, garlic, green beans, onions, peaches, pork, potatoes, squash, tomatoes (green, red & heirloom), watermelon and zucchini.

We also have plenty of canned vegetables, honey, molasses, salsa, chow-chow, bbq sauces, jellies, jams, wine, soaps, bath salts, scented candles, cut sunflowers, cupcakes and unique handmade crafts.

Anticipated Vendors – Saturday, July 21:

Adcock Farm

Backroad Farm & Vineyard

Cakes Delish

Culver Farms Honey

Donation Station

Faulkner Family Farms

Glover Gifts & Crafts

Honeyberry Hills Farm

Imperial Stitching

JASM Farms

JW Creek Farms

LouMag Ent.

Master Gardeners

O’Relly’s Curry Q & Sauce

Short’s Family Farms

Woodwick Designs

VCRFM is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 210 Southpark Drive, Henderson. SNAP/EBT accepted and welcomed.

Contact Market Manager Tracy Madigan at 252-598-0814 or Extension Agent  Paul McKenzie at 252-438-8188 with questions or for more information.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Celebrate National Watermelon Month at the Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market!

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market

Seed-Spitting Contest, Anyone?

You guessed it – watermelons are now in season and available at your VCRFM. Seems no other produce screams summer like watermelon. We love the refreshing taste, but thing is, there is more to watermelon than just its flavor. It boasts some powerful health benefits, too. At 46 calories per cup, watermelon offers 20% of your daily intake of Vitamin C and 17% of Vitamin A. That’s not all, watermelon contains dietary fiber for digestive health as well as potassium, a mineral that helps keep blood pressure capped.

Watermelon has 1.5 times more lycopene (6 milligrams/cup) than tomatoes. Lycopene is thought to act as a super antioxidant – stopping free radicals from damaging your cells, messing with your immune system, and may help fight heart disease and some cancers.

Watermelon also contains citrulline, a natural substance that’s been tied to improved artery function and lower blood pressure.

But is it a fruit or a vegetable? Actually, it is both! It is a close cousin of cucumbers, pumpkins & squash.

Probably best of all during our scorching hot summer months, watermelon is packed with, well, water! In fact, it is 92% water which is some serious hydration power. That’s a big deal since being dehydrated is bad for our health.

Now about that seed-spitting contest… You may want to rethink that. Roasted watermelon seeds are much more nutritious than many other snacks. An ounce of watermelon seeds (approximately 400 seeds) has 158 calories. They also contain magnesium, iron, folate (folic acid or vitamin B-9) and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (which are useful in lowering LDL cholesterol levels).

So, celebrate National Watermelon Month (July, of course) by treating yourself to a fresh, local, delicious and nutritious watermelon from your VCRFM. You will find a variety to choose from!

(The above information was excerpted from USDA article 3730)

What You Will Find at the Market This Week

Beets, blueberries, butter beans, cabbage, cantaloupes, corn, cucumbers, eggs, eggplant, garlic, green beans, onions, peaches, peppers, pink eye purple hull peas, pork, potatoes, squash, tomatoes (green, red & heirloom), watermelon and zucchini.

We also have plenty of canned vegetables, honey, molasses, salsa, chow-chow, bbq sauces, jellies, jams, wine, soaps, bath salts, scented candles, cut sunflowers and unique handmade crafts.

Anticipated Vendors – Saturday, July 14:

Adcock Farm

Backroad Farm & Vineyard

Burgess Farms

Cakes Delish

Culver Farms Honey

Donation Station

Faulkner Family Farms

Honeyberry Hills Farm

Imperial Stitching

JASM Farms

Jerri’s Things

Kelly Lynn Photography

LouMag Ent.

Master Gardeners

O’Reilly’s Curry Q & Sauce

Pretty Tough Stuff

Short’s Family Farms

Woodwick Designs

* VCRFM open Wednesdays & Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

VCRFM Welcomes SNAP/EBT

Contacts:

Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814

Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188

The Farmers Market building is available for rent. Contact Tracy Madigan for pricing and available dates.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Eat Fresh, Shop Local at Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market This Weekend

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market

When you buy fresh and local produce at your Vance County Regional Farmers Market, you are supporting local food systems and promoting sustainable agriculture by connecting community consumers to fresh, locally grown and produced foods. This strengthens our local economy.

Your local farmers market facilitates personal connections and bonds of mutual benefits between farmers and shoppers. By cutting out middlemen, farmers receive more of our food dollars and shoppers receive the freshest and most flavorful food in our area.

Did you know that on average, farmers receive only 17.4 cents of every dollar we spend on food in traditional stores? At farmers markets, farmers receive upwards of 90 cents on the dollar.

Most of our vendors travel less than ten miles to sell at the VCRFM. Compare that to other food stores where seven to fourteen days can go by between the time produce is picked and when it becomes available to consumers. In that time, fruits and vegetables may travel more than 1,200 miles before reaching store shelves. Locally grown produce sold at the VCRFM is made available at the peak of freshness and nutrient content.

It is a source of pride to our vendors that the products available at the VCRFM represent the agricultural and craft talents of our area. Thus, you will find what is in season and grown in our area.

Besides, shopping at your VCRFM is a wholly unique experience where farmers and shoppers get to know each other. Meeting friends and neighbors at the VCRFM is fun!

This week, you will find beets, blueberries, butter beans, cabbage, cantaloupes, corn & cucumbers; eggs, eggplant, garlic, green beans, onions, peaches, peppers, pink eye purple hull peas, potatoes, squash, tomatoes (green, red & heirloom,) & zucchini.

We also have plenty of canned vegetables, honey, salsa, chow-chow, bbq sauces, jellies, jams, wine, soaps, bath salts, scented candles, cut sunflowers and unique handmade crafts.

 

Anticipated Vendors – Saturday, July 7:

Adcock Farm

Backroad Farm & Vineyard

Culver Farms Honey

Donation Station

Eclectic Peacock

Faulkner Family Farms

Honeyberry Hills Farm

Imperial Stitching

JW Creek Farms

Kelly Lynn Photography

LouMag Ent.

Pretty Tough Stuff

Short’s Family Farms

Woodwick Designs

VCRFM is located at 210 South Park Dr. in Henderson and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

**VCRFM accepts and welcomes SNAP/EBT**

The Farmers Market building is available for rent. Contact Tracy Madigan, market manager, at (252) 598-0814for pricing and available dates.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Peak Season Kickoff at Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market

This Saturday, June 30 marks the peak season kickoff of the Vance County Regional Farmers Market, 210 Southpark Drive, Henderson.

This week you will find beets, cabbage, cantaloupes, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, garlic, grapes, green beans, lettuce (hydroponic), onions, peaches, peppers, potatoes, squash, tomatoes (green, red & heirloom), and zucchini.

We also have plenty of canned vegetables, honey, salsa, chow-chow, bbq sauces, jellies, jams, wine and unique handmade crafts.

It’s still a good time for planting flowers and herbs in the yard or in pots on the patio and the farmers market has a vast array of annuals and perennials. The Master Gardeners will be at the market to answer your gardening questions and offer advice regarding all your planting and growing needs.

We are now entering the peak produce season. Area residents may enjoy delicious local fruits and vegetables within hours of it being picked, which means it is packed with flavor and still at its maximum nutritional value.

Burgess Corn will be making its 2018 debut at the market this Saturday. Be sure to come early because it always sells out fast!

The Eclectic Peacock will also be returning this Saturday with a fresh batch of scented soaps – including some new, never before offered scents.

Anticipated Vendors – June 30th:

Adcock Farm

Backroad Farm & Vineyard

Burgess Farm

Culver Farms Honey

Donation Station

Eclectic Peacock

Faulkner Family Farms

Harvey Hills Farms

Honeyberry Hills Farm

Imperial Stitching

Jerri’s Things

JW Creek Farms

Kelly Lynn Photography

LouMag Ent.

Master Gardeners

Pretty Tough Stuff

Short’s Family Farms

Woodwick Designs

The Fourth of July is next Wednesday and your VCRFM will be open from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. You will find everything you need for a festive Fourth of July cookout at the market!

 

VCRFM is now open Wednesdays & Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

**VCRFM accepts and welcomes SNAP/EBT**

 

The Farmers Market building is available for rent. Contact Tracy Madigan at 252-598-0814 pricing and available dates.

(This is not a paid advertisement)

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance County Regional Farmers Market: Upcoming Events

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-Information courtesy Tracy Madigan, Market Manager, Vance County Regional Farmers Market
Farmers Market: June 23, 2018
Fresh Local Summer Produce Now Available At Your Farmers Market
It’s hot, hot hot! The summer sunshine is producing loads of delicious local produce. This week you will find: beets, cabbage (yes, pointy head), cantaloupes, corn & cucumbers; green beans, onions, peaches & peppers; squash, tomatoes ( green, red & heirloom), & zucchini. We also have plenty of canned vegetables, honey, salsa, chow-chow, bbq sauces, jellies, jams, wine and unique handmade crafts.
VCRFM Welcomes SNAP/EBT

In 2016 the Vance County Regional Farmers Market set out to expand access to the SNAP/EBT population at the farmers market. Through a partnership with the Granville-Vance Public Health Department, the farmers market was able to obtain funding to purchase wireless terminals that could accept EBT. We are happy to be accepting EBT this season! You can use your SNAP/EBT to shop for farm-fresh goods at your local farmers market.

Your VCRFM is a great source of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. We have made it a priority to expand access to such food for SNAP participants. From the vendors’ farms to your tables, you will be getting the healthiest, freshest produce available locally.

Upcoming Events
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Peak Season Kickoff Saturday, June 30th
The market is getting into full swing with fresh local fruits and vegetables. Celebrate with us June 30th for our Peak Season Kickoff!
Seasonal Recipes
Not sure what to do with all the fresh produce you find at the market? No worries – we have suggestions and recipes for you to try! Want to share one of your favorite recipes? Bring it to the market – we’d love to try it and let others know about it.
You Make A Difference
The Farmer Foodshare/Donation Station booth at our market collects donations weekly and we have the best customers! You always remember to donate. Thank you. The money collected is used to purchase produce not sold at the market that day, then donated to Area Christians Together in Service (ACTS). ACTS uses the produce to feed our less fortunate members of society and for the Meals-On-Wheels shut-in recipients.
Anticipated Vendors – June 23rd:
A number of our regular vendors will be at the Bee Jubilee this Saturday, which I hope you all plan to attend after your visit to the farmers market. You may find out all the details about Bee Jubilee at the market on Saturday, including event location and time.
Adcock Farm
Backroad Farm & Vineyard
Donation Station
Imperial Stitching
JASM Farms
Kelly Lynn Photography
LouMag Ent.
Pretty Tough Stuff
Short’s Family Farms
Woodwick Designs
Contacts:
Market Manager: Tracy Madigan @ 252-598-0814
Extension Agent: Paul McKenzie @ 252-438-8188
(This is not a paid advertisement)
Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market

Vance Co. Regional Farmers Market Now Open on Wednesdays!

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The Vance County Regional Farmers Market is now open on Wednesdays!

You now have two days to shop at the Market – Wednesday & Saturday – 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

On Wednesdays, there will be produce vendors, craft vendors and a food truck serving breakfast.

Location:

Vance County Regional Farmers Market, 210 Southpark Drive, Henderson.

(This is not a paid advertisement)