Vol. 7 Issue 11

We are so excited to celebrate National Farmers Market Week August 1st-7th with you!  Over the past year, our farmers market community has shown the resilience in our changing world.  Farmers markets have always been a hub for innovation, and we have been at the forefront of adapting rapid solutions to protect staff, customers, and our community.  More than ever before, National Farmers Market Week is an opportunity to showcase the value of the Hollywood Farmers Market in our College Park community.

In 2020, it was clear that local food systems with short supply chains are resilient and our market plays a vital role in keeping our community connected.  We wouldn’t be able to operate without our amazing board, volunteers and vendors.  As we opened this year, we found our customers and vendors were happy to have the market return to normal and be able to spend time together, listen to music and support our vendors.

What can you do to support farmers markets and celebrate National Farmers Market Week? 

1. Shop regularly at your farmers market – and tell your friends to do the same! Follow all directions and guidelines for safety while at the market. 

2. Local food fans are encouraged to share National Farmers Market Week on social media! Use the #LoveMyMarket, #FarmersMarketsareEssential and #FarmersMarketWeek to share the bounty of the season on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

   Stop at the Market’s information table for an “I  Farmers Markets” temporary tattoo.

Vol. 7 Issue 9

We have some exciting news!  Backyard Boogie Gardens and Baking will begin offering prepared foods.  They will be making a couple of breakfast items, a few different types of burgers, and will have 3 sides.  They will have vegetarian options and will also be offering water, soda, orange juice and apple juice.  The menu incorporates ingredients from local farms around here and all the vendors at the market!

For entertainment this week we have Nicolo Whimsey (www.nicolowhimsey.com) joining Double Sharp.  Nicolo juggles, plays the accordion and is tons of fun for kids and adults.

Check out the Buy Local Challenge website (www.buylocalchallenge.com) for information about a Scavenger Hunt and a chance to win some great prizes! Don’t forget to tag your photos when posting on Facebook or Instagram with #BuyLocalChallenge.

Environment Maryland will be at the market from 10 to 12.  Their mission is to educate the public on how our bees contribute to the bounties of the Hollywood Farmer’s Market.

 

Speaking of Victory Chapel Family Farm.  They are our Vendor Spotlight!
Victory Chapel Family Farm’s bees produce Southern Maryland wildflower honey, which our bees make from diverse floral sources, including black locust, tulip poplar, fruit trees, dandelions, clover and many others. Our honey is produced by hives in Prince Georges and Charles Counties; The honey is raw and all natural — lightly filtered to remove large particles of beeswax, pollen and propolis, but not heated or processed. When our honey is removed from the hive, it needs to be strained to remove parts of bee bodies and pieces of wax. A coarse strainer is used without heating. The honey will contain pollen that was present in the honey from the local area. Some people that if local honey is ingested regularly, it can reduce pollen allergy symptoms in humans. By supporting local honey producers, you can verify that the honey you’re purchasing is truly raw and has the beneficial properties that humans have used for centuries to treat many ailments.

Here is some info about the program:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/sfmnp/senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program
and contact information:
Aging & Disabilities Services Division
Phone: 301-265-8450

These coupons – a booklet of coupons – are available to seniors – 60 & 0ver and  seniors that may receive energy assistance, SNAP or Section 8.
It is a simple process and not intrusive: Call the above phone number and ask for the farmers market coupon program – SFMNP – the person will ask some very simple questions – name, address, phone, annual income, do you receive any other programs – SNAP, energy assistance, Section 8.

These coupons – that benefit the farmers in Maryland – are good for fresh fruits & veggies and honey from farmers markets & farm stands. They are good until November – check the expiration on the coupon.

Calvert Farm is authorized to accept these coupons & WIC and will be available at the – Hollywood Farmers Market, College Park.

Vol. 7 Issue 7

Happy Fourth of July!  We hope everyone has a great weekend!  Make sure you stop by the market on Saturday to pick up all of your picnic or grilling needs.  Backyard Boogie and Blue Berwyn Farm have wonderful veggies for salads or toppings for sandwiches.  Sharrah Orchard has beautiful berries, perfect peaches, charming cherries and adorable apples (apple pie anyone?).  Waltz Family Farm has the meats you need for your grill and Sabillasville Seasonings has a wide variety of spices to add some flavor to the meal.  Don’t forget your after dinner drinks from Shmidt’s Spirits or coffee for the morning after from Alcoba.  Looking forward to seeing you there!