Moving Beyond Cancer in NOLA: This Week at the Crescent City Farmers Market

Greauxing the Momentum for Statewide Market Match! | May 16, 2022

FRESH & LOCAL:

Greauxing the Momentum for Statewide Market Match!

We are excited to share that momentum in continuing to GREAUX for our Greaux the Good advocacy campaign! Working with the team from the Red Stick Farmers Market (aka BREADA) and the New Orleans Food Policy Action Council (FPAC), HCR57 is continuing to move through the Louisiana Legislature! If passed, this bill would mean almost $1 million to establish a statewide Market Match program for SNAP shoppers at participating Louisiana farmers markets!

Currently only .007% of Louisiana SNAP dollars are spent at local farmers markets, which leaves a lot of money on the table for local farmers and a real food access issue for SNAP shoppers. Out of about 60 farmers markets in the state, less than 10 can currently offer a SNAP match program. We believe that Greaux the Good will help radically increase the amount of SNAP dollars spent with local farmers around the state, and that it will incentivize many more markets to accept SNAP. A dollar spent at a farmers market has about twice the local economic impact as a dollar spent at a regular grocery store making Greaux the Good important for farmers, for families, and for the economic benefit of our state!

Learn more about the proposed Greaux the Good statewide SNAP match program by visiting the website, and stay connected with the progress of this legislation by signing up for updates!

Staff from Market Umbrella, BREADA, and FPAC at the Louisiana capitol building on May 9
with Rep. Jack McFarland, for a Greaux the Good program demonstration.

PICKS OF THE WEEK:

Food Safety at the Farmers Market -
free training!

Market Umbrella is continuing our spring producer training series with Food Safety for Farmers Market Vendors this Wednesday, May 18th. This class will cover the ins and outs of food safety risks and prevention measures for small scale food producers. The LSU Ag Center will share their expertise, and raffle off hand-wash stations! Hosted by SPROUT NOLA at the lovely Press Street Gardens, registration is free, but please RSVP so we can prepare take-home materials and refreshments.

pick of the week

Introducing… the Produce + Box
for home delivery!

We are excited to announce an addition to the offerings available through Top Box Foods for home delivery. The Produce + Box is available starting today, and contains half local produce, and half local proteins and value-add items. This box is a great foundation of groceries for a family of four for a week, and contents will vary weekly. If you receive SNAP and are paying with EBT, the box is half off - only $20, and delivery in New Orleans is FREE! Order now!

Big Sam’s Funky Nation this Wednesday at Wednesdays at the Square

Market Umbrella is the featured nonprofit tabling at YLC’s Wednesdays at the Square Concert Series this Wednesday, May 18th from 5-8 pm, at Lafayette Square in the Central Business District. This free concert features Big Sam’s Funky Nation and Erica Falls. Come by our tent and say hi!

pick of the week

vendor of the week

VENDOR OF THE WEEK:

Fresh Fruit Sensations

Welcome Fresh Fruit Sensations! First started in 2008 by husband-and-wife team of 35 years Don and Deneen Harding, Fresh Fruit Sensations serves handmade fresh fruit drinks and mouth watering salads with a mission to provide authentic service and lasting impressions! Fresh Fruit Sensations officially joined the CCFM community this May and can be found at our Thursday Mid-City and Sunday City Park markets weekly. As spring turns into summer and the weather warms up, Fresh Fruit Sensations has all the refreshing market snacks you need!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK:

Infused Water: Healthy Hydration Never Tasted So Sweet!

Spring is an exceptionally abundant time to visit the market. We have an array of produce and consumables, new vendors coming on board, and you can feel the exuberant energy in the air. As the days continue to get warmer and humidity rises, drinking enough water is key to keep the good times rolling. Dehydration can cause dizziness, fatigue, and headaches. While drinking water is not everyone's preference, it is key to staying healthy, hydrated and energized. If plain water isn’t making the cut for you, try jazzing it up with fruits, vegetables, and herbs. We have an excellent selection to choose from during this time of year!

What’s your favorite dish to make after visiting the Crescent City Farmers Market? Share your recipes with us on Instagram or Facebook and it might be featured in our weekly newsletter!