Two Years In The Making, Market Square Grocery Store’s Opening Is Near

On a cloudy and cool spring morning, Downtown Pittsburgh’s first grocery in five years was emerging from its shell like a butterfly from its cocoon.

Some workers stocked a freezer with frozen shrimp, lobster langostino and other seafood. Others handled deliveries of cheeses and other goods. Yet others trained to use the cash register.

At the back of 435 Market St., bottles of imported red and white Italian wines beckoned visitors. Pastas, cereals, chocolates, pickles, olives, teas, cookies, jelly, potato chips and sauces crammed the shelves.

“ ‘Finally’ is the word,” developer Ralph Falbo said as he talked to two friends and surveyed the scene.

Read more:

http://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2015/04/15/Market-Square-to-get-grocery-store-soon/stories/201504150099

York County Peaches Survive Winter

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting York County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Janet Grossman says here’s nothing like a fresh local peach.

The 46-year-old York Township resident bought a bushel Wednesday morning at Brown’s Orchards & Farm Market.

“I might make a pie, but really I’m happy just to have them as a snack,” Grossman said.

Brown’s, at 8892 Susquehanna Trail South in Loganville, has been selling some of its 25 varieties for more than a week.

Read more: http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_26172231/york-county-peaches-survive-winter

Rep. Mark Painter: Farmers’ Market Vouchers Available For Seniors.

SANATOGA, PA –  State Rep. Mark Painter, D-Montgomery, reminds older residents about a program that provides low-income seniors with vouchers redeemable for fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs at local farmers’ markets.

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides qualified seniors with four vouchers totaling $20 that they may exchange for Pennsylvania-grown produce. Recipients are given a list of participating farmers and farmers’ markets when they receive their checks.

“This program is immensely beneficial for senior citizens to enhance their daily diet with nutritious produce grown right here in Pennsylvania,” said Painter, a member of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

To qualify, recipients must be 60 or older by Dec. 31, with a total household income before taxes of less than $21,589 for a single person, $29,100 for a couple and $36,611 for a family of three, based on 2013 income.

The vouchers will be distributed at the Pottstown Cluster from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursdays and Fridays; and at the Pottstown Senior Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The vouchers, made available through funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, are distributed on a first-come basis.

Painter said constituents with questions may contact his office at 610-326-9563.

Contact: Tom Andrews, 717-787-7895

Fresh, Local Food Making A Comeback At Central Market York

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting York County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Central Market York was designed to fit the crop cycle of local farmers.

One day they’d harvest, and the next day they’d display their fresh produce for market patrons, hungry for the local items.

Over the years, Central Market York added other vendors, and the fresh produce was no longer the main attraction.

But now, more people are asking for the farmers who once defined the market with fresh and local food, said Cindy Steele, COO of Central Market York.

Read more: http://www.ydr.com/local/ci_25447848/fresh-local-food-making-comeback-at-central-market

The Produce And Information Stand Will Open Again This Saturday At The Mosaic Community Garden

Thanks to our generous garden members and our generous garden plots, we have plenty tomatoes, green peppers, herbs and local fruit for sale!

Stop by and pick up the latest copy of Organic Gardening or other information on food justice and where to buy fresh, wholesome foods in our local area!  We have a list of local organizations and companies who offer nothing but the best.  Pick up a copy during your garden visit this Saturday!

The stand and information stand will be open for business on Saturday, October 5th at 9:30 AM sharp!

Be sure to get there early so you don’t miss out on some of the super-fresh items being offered Saturday!  This may be your last chance…

Pottstown’s Mosaic Community Garden To Open Produce And Information Stand

We are happy to announce the opening day of our Produce and Information Stand!

The children of our youth program and several volunteers had a hand in tending the earth and growing veggies.  Earlier this summer, they diligently worked to build the stand to bring the “fruits of their labor” to your table!!

On September 7th the kids and volunteers will staff the Produce Stand to sell fresh produce, herbs, local peaches and other healthy goodies, each Saturday morning from 9:30 AM – 12 noon, through September 28th, 2013.

In addition, we will have information regarding organic gardening and other resources to find out more about our local CSAs and organic grocery stores.  Lastly, the public can learn more about what they can do to ensure every family has access to healthier food options in our area.

Look for the Produce and Information Stand in front of the gardens at 423 Chestnut Street in Pottstown, (you canʼt miss us)!!

Priced right for you, all of the proceeds from the produce stand will enable MOSAIC to continue to develop workshops and other fun, educational activities for young and old alike; while educating individuals in food justice and security.  All the while, the young farmers will be learning sales skills, marketing and public relations.

Now, for a special thanks to our sponsor: Global Advanced Metals of Boyertown, for their generous donation and support.  Global Advanced Metals processes a metal called “tantalum,” found in Australia.  Their core values of safety, health and environmental excellence guide the work that they do and dovetails nicely with our healthy outlook too!!

Local honey will be available for purchase as well.  The garden has its own bee hive for pollination, tended by Lee Mauger.

Laura Washington, Gardens Manager

Collegeville Farmers Market Gets A Jump On Second Season

COLLEGEVILLE, PA – Is one of your favorite days of the year the day the farmers’ markets open for the season?

Much-needed relief from a long, up-and-down winter will be sent on Saturday, with predicted temperatures in the 80s and, more importantly, the opening of the Collegeville Farmers’ Market.

Helping CFM launch its second season are returning vendors like the ever-popular gelato folks (Jenny & Frank’s) and first-of-the-season veggies – lettuce, swiss chard and the like – from Down Home Acres in Fleetwood.

Hand-crafted gifts, locally grown and produced artisan foods, activities for the entire family, and the music of Kendal Conrad round out the market’s 2012 debut.

Read more: http://business-news.thestreet.com/the-times-herald/story/collegeville-farmers-market-gets-jump-second-season/1

Collegeville Couple Purchase Pottstown Farmers Market – Expect Big Things!

A Collegeville couple has purchased the Pottstown Farmer’s Market and will begin by doing some major cleaning and refurbishing.  After that task is complete, they hope to attract new local vendors selling fresh grown food.  Some old favorites will remain like Wegman’s, King’s Produce and Dairy and Mosteller’s Seafood.

The couple is also looking at possibly expanding the market’s hours.  They want to be part of Pottstown’s revitalization.  We wish Ben Moscia and his wife Elise LeBoutiller much success.  Having a flourishing farmer’s market in our downtown will be help draw shoppers to High Street.