Contributed by Dana Livingston
It's hard to believe that there are areas with no farmer's market to provide fresh produce to the populace, but there are loads of small communities or even large urban areas that are nowhere near fertile farmland and thereby suffer a shortage of the vegetable variety. Or maybe the closest roadside produce stand is several miles down the highway, making it impractical to go there once a week. Or if you're one of many Americans who live in a northern clime, you can't get anything truly fresh for half the year. Whatever your circumstance, don't despair. There are plenty of other ways to get the fresh, organic fruits and veggies you've been craving, all year round. Some may cost you a bit, but others are practically free.
1. Join a fruit of the month club. Harry and David is famous for its fruit selections, which can be shipped to you on a regular basis by simply joining their club (and paying some pretty hefty fees). They'll send you fruits of the season that are guaranteed to ripen throughout the month (just watch the special stickers that will indicate when they're ready to be eaten). If vegetables are what you want, try the Vegetable of the Month Club instead, which offers all organic veggies.
2. Order from a co-op. Farmers in your area (or nearby areas) that may not be keen to attend farmer's markets are sometimes associated with co-ops that not only sell to area stores, but are also willing to ship or deliver to individuals who sign up for their services. There prices are generally comparable to store-bought items, but their wares are fresher and sometimes organic, and you really can't beat having them dropped on your doorstep.
3. Plant a garden. Of course, the most expedient way to get the fruits and vegetables you desire is to grow them yourself. So get the whole family involved in planting a garden in the backyard to ensure that all the work gets done and that each person has their own area with items they prefer. Harvest them throughout the summer as they mature and have a party to turn the rest into frozen, canned, or jellied forms for the winter.
4. Build a community greenhouse. If you've had a lot of fun with your own garden and want to get others in your community involved in this necessary and fulfilling pursuit, see if you can't get a grant from the city or raise some money to build a greenhouse. Not only can everyone in town participate in growing food and benefit from their efforts, but a structured setup will allow you to continue growing throughout the colder months.
5. Start your own farmer's market. If you're just sick of the selection at the grocery store (produce that's either rock-hard or covered in a fine fuzz of mold), but you're not so handy with a hoe, then do something about it! Meet with the city council to square away an acceptable venue and plan a calendar, then solicit local landowners to hawk their wares from a gallery of tents. Chances are, if you're pining for a farmer's market, plenty of others are, too.
Dana Livingston is a writer for a culinary school website where you can browse schools and the latest trends in the culinary arena. In her free time, Dana enjoys eating food, talking about food, and writing about food!
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