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THE ON-LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN!N


UPCOMING EVENTS:

TUE, AUG 19
FREE MICROGREEN SAMPLES, FROM LEAL GARDENS
In an effort to educate folks on the wonders and tastiness of microgreens, new farmer-0n-the-scene Manuel Leal of Grovetown will offer free microgreen tastings at the AJCC pick-up location, 4pm-6pm, this week. Free samples are also available to order on-line this week for all customers; limit 1 per family please. Come meet this urban grower and learn why he does what he does.

SAT, SEPT 6
RAISED BED WINTER GARDENING WORKSHOP & SUPPER
Learn the finer points of winter vegetable gardening with the father-son team at Legacy Gardens: Steve & David Gianino. Located in Evans, the hands-on, in-depth workshop starts at 2pm. A wholesome, simple dinner will be served in the garden afterwards. Workshop tickets are $20. Five full scholarships for this workshop are available for beginner backyard growers through ALG, made possible by an honorarium from the Unitarian Universalist churches of Augusta and Aiken. Please contact kim@augustalocallygrown.org to apply for a scholarship. Tickets are available through our on-line market or contact David directly at legacygardener@yahoo.com.

SUN, SEPT 7
THREE-FARM TOUR & PROGRESSIVE MEAL
Come eat your way through the growing local foods scene of the CSRA! This educational tour starts at Hard Earth Farm in Modoc, SC, a fiber, veggie and fruit farm featuring a micro dairy for raw goats milk. The next stop is Icebox Farm in North Augusta, SC, a hobby farm specializing in heirloom breeds, “Ark of Taste” varieties and home of Slow Food CSR. Dessert will be at Bottle Tree Farm in Augusta, GA, a truly urban farm experience, replete with garden art. Tickets are $20 and are ALMOST SOLD OUT! To claim the last two, contact Kim today at kim@augustalocallygrown.org.

WED, SEPT 10
HERB GARDEN TRANSFORMATION AT EDGAR’S GRILLE
ALG is honored to have been invited to transform the outdoor patio landscaping at Edgar’s Grille into a teaching garden. The herb garden will be designed to enhance the learning experience for their culinary students, supported by Goodwill Industries. On Wed, Sept 10, starting at 9am, we could use just a few extra hands to help get a fresh start on this project. Contact kim@augustalocallygrown.org if you can help that morning! Hugs to Karen Smith at Southern Native Plantings for her guidance on this project, and to Lonnie Stephenson, Exec Chef at Edgar’s Grille, for his vision and partnership.

THUR, OCT 2
ARK IN THE PARK !!
Join Slow Food CSR at the Evans Towne Farmers Market on Oct 2 for a celebration of the Ark of Taste! The Ark of Taste is SLOW FOOD USA’s living catalog of delicious and distinctive foods facing extinction. Many foods on the Ark, both plants and animals, are grown right here in our area, and you’ll get to SEE some of them, and more importantly, to TASTE some of the wonderful dishes made with these amazing ingredients. By identifying and championing these foods, we keep them in production and on our plates. You’ll also learn about Slow Food International, Slow Food USA, Slow Food CSR and how you can play a part in supporting good, clean, fair food for all! Food lovers of all ages are welcome to this free event at the Evans Towne Farmers Market, 4:30pm-7pm

FRI, OCT 3
MUSCADINE WINE MAKING WORKSHOP
ALG is thrilled to have found a wine maker among its bunch! Danielle Shelton will join us on Friday, Oct 3, to teach a muscadine wine making workshop at the West End Market & Bakery in Augusta. The workshop will be demo style, given the multi-step nature of the process. Participants will see many different stages of the wine in its creation. Of course, sampling is all part of the fun. The educational & tasting component of the class costs $15. Start-up wine making kits will also be available for an additional $50, plus grapes! Tickets go on sale today through the ALG on-line market. Or contact kim@augustalocallygrown.org.

SAT, OCT 4
TASTES OF EARTH:
AN EDUCATIONAL FARM & SITE TOUR
FOLLOWED BY AN ELEGANT FARM DINNER
Southern Native Plantings at Longwood Plantation will partner with Culinary Connections to host an Educational Greenhouse, Nursery & Soil Education Tour called “Dirty to Delicious” followed by an Elegant Farm Dinner by Chef Charleen. Imagine sipping scoppernong wine sangria while you learn the finer points of native plant propagation in an organically certified greenhouse. Plan to nibble roasted okra with kale dip and pickled crudités while hearing about the vital role that soils plays in the nutritional value of your food. Enjoy a five-course menu for a sit-down dinner nestled in a native plant habitat behind a fruit tree grove. The educational component of the event is supported by Georgia Organics. Augusta Locally Grown will provide volunteer table service. Tickets are $40 and will go fast!! Purchase yours through the Augusta Locally Grown On-Line Market, the Statesboro Market2Go On-Line Market, or the Savannah Locally Grown On-Line Market. Email kim@augustalocallygrown.org to purchase tickets by mail, or to volunteer!

SUN, NOV 2
CROP MOB AT CLYDE’S FRESH PRODUCE FARM
Grab your shovel and join us for “Crop Mob” at Clyde’s Fresh Produce Farm in Grovetown, GA. We’ll be planting dozens of fruit trees to give this family farm an extra boost of help for its future. In exchange, volunteers will be fed a delicious, sit-down farm dinner afterwards. Work goes from 1p-4:30pm; dinner starts at 5pm. We’ve set our goal at 25 volunteers! Will you be one of them?!!

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED:

CSA COORDINATED NEEDED AT THE WEST END MARKET & BAKERY:
Sandi Johnson, owner of the West End Market & Bakery, is looking for a CSA Coordinator to work in engage for a CSA share. The weighing & sorting job requires approximately 2-3 hours each week, and can be done either Sunday evening or Monday very early. Contact Sandi at hexemausfarms@gmail.com to apply.

OTHER VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
We are looking to fill the following special volunteer slots this fall.
• 6 adult volunteers to help set up, serve, and break down the Tastes of Earth Event farm dinner on Oct 4 in Newington, GA
• adult volunteers to lead educational cooking demos at the Veggie Truck Farmers Market, on the Tuesday afternoon of your choice, now through October
• 1 volunteer with some carpentry skills to help us put the finishing touches on the Local Foods Classroom at the West End Market & Bakery

See y’all at the markets!
Kim

THE ON-;LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN


THIS WEEK!

QUICKIE CROP MOB:
SUN, AUG 10
The BenderDigger Youth Gardening Program in the River Island community of Evans will host a “Quickie Crop Mob” this Sunday, August 10. Volunteer work starts at 2pm; a cookout will follow for all helpers. The group will weed and till a second large bed, preparing it for “hugelkulture.” This technique is especially good for the hot, occasionally droughty conditions we know all too well in Georgia. Come meet some great folks, learn about hugelkulture, get dirty and share some great grub. Contact Kristina Williams to sign up and get directions. She’s at benderdinker@gmail.com.

RAMEN NOODLE REVOLUTION:
A COLLEGE STUDENT COOKING CONTEST:
THUR, AUG 14
In our third round of “Market Stadium” this year, local college students will compete to transform those nasty ramen noodles packets into something fabulous, using fresh, local ingredients. Hosted at the Evans Towne Farmers Market, the contest will feature 7 college-enrolled contestants who are serious about cooking. There are a few spots left and no fee to compete. We supply the ramen and an outdoor “kitchen” tent. You supply the additional ingredients and equipment. Seven competitors, four judges, one CASH PRIZE and lots of glory!. Big thanks in advance to the GRU student volunteer set-up crew! Email kim@augustalocallygrown.org to sign up!

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT INTERNSHIPS FOR FALL:
APPLY NOW!
INTERVIEWS HELD NEXT WEEK:
We are currently taking applications for the following positions this semester:

  • 2 paid internships at our ALG on-line market in Evans, Tuesdays, 3p-6p (August-December)
  • 1 paid internship at our ALG on-line market in Harrisburg, Tuesdays, 4p-7p, (August-December)
  • 1 paid internship at the Evans Towne Farmers Market, Thursdays, 4p-7p (August-October)
  • 1 paid internship at the Veggie Truck Farmers Market in Harrisburg, Tuesdays, 4p-7p (August-October)

If you’ve ever met our interns, you know: we have the pleasure of working with some of the finest young people in the CSRA!

Strong candidates will:

  • show an interest in local, seasonal, organic, healthy, whole foods;
  • be service-oriented, on-time and trustworthy when handling money;
  • enjoy attention to detail;
  • possess the ability to work outside, lift and carry, and – yes – get dirty at times;
  • commit to our nonprofit mission to build a strong local foods community

Apply on-line on our website at augustalocallygrown.org. Look for the application under “interns.’”

COMING THIS FALL

RAISED BED WINTER GARDEN WORKSHOP & MEAL:
SAT, SEPT 6
Learn the finer points of winter vegetable gardening with the dynamic father-son team at Legacy Gardens: Steve & David Gianino. Located in Evans, the hands-on, in-depth workshop starts at 2pm. A wholesome, simple dinner will be served in the garden afterwards. Don’t be shy to bring questions specific to your own plot; from basic to advanced, all are welcome. The men will also offer organically-grown seedling starts for sale, including kale, broccoli, chard and cabbage … perfect for the winter garden. Workshop tickets are $20. A donation to ALG from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Aiken is being used to offer scholarships for this workshop to those who find the ticket price a hardship. Please contact kim@augustalocallygrown.org to apply for scholarship. Tickets are available through our on-line market or contact David directly at legacygardener@yahoo.com.

URBAN FARM TOUR & PROGRESSIVE MEAL:
SUN, SEPT 7
We’ll be touring and enjoying a progressive meal at a series of urban farms this fall. Bottle Tree Farm of Augusta and Icebox Farm of North Augusta are already on the tour; we’re firming up a third locations now. As enlightening as it will be delicious, this is a great way to share an autumn daytrip with a special someone. Details and ticket sales announced soon.

TASTES OF EARTH:
AN EDUCATIONAL FARM & SITE TOUR
FOLLOWED BY AN ELEGANT FARM DINNER:
SAT, OCT 4
Southern Native Plantings at Longwood Plantation will partner with Culinary Connections to host an Educational Greenhouse, Nursery & Soil Education Tour followed by an Elegant Farm Dinner by Chef Charleen. Imagine sipping scoppernong wine sangria while you learn the finer points of native plant propagation in an organically certified greenhouse. Plan to nibble roasted okra with kale dip and pickled crudités while hearing about the vital role that soils plays in the nutritional value of your food. A five-course menu for the sit-down dinner nestled in a native plant habitat behind a fruit tree grove will soon be announced; tickets go on sale soon.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED:

FARM TO TABLE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Augusta Locally Grown will provide table service for the “Tastes of Earth” meal, with the promise of free food in exchange. If you can commit to a full day of fun, hard work, please contact kim@augustalocallygrown.org.

WINE MAKING INSTRUCTOR NEEDED:
We are currently looking to hire an instructor to teach a muscadine wine-making workshop this fall. Plum Broke Farms is ready with the muscadines … now we need a wise teacher. Know someone? Contact kim@augustalocallygrown.org.

LOCAL FOODS EDUCATION CLASSROOM HELP NEEDED:
We’re moving on to the second phase of setting up the “Local Foods Education Classroom” at the West End Market. Got some power drill skills and a few hours to spare? Give us a ring! 706-288-7895.

HAPPY NATIONAL FARMERS MARKET WEEK Y’ALL!!!
- Kim

THE ON-LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN!


THIS WEEKEND:

CLEAN-OUT-THE-GREENHOUSE SALESAT, JULY 26
Southern Native Plantings at Longwood Plantation will host a Clean-Out-the-Greenhouse-and-Nursery Plant Sale this weekend. Edibles, non-edibles and some fruit trees will be going for a steal at this beautiful location in Newington, GA. Karen says it’s not too late to put in some late-summer Plum or Yellow Brandywine tomatoes. Or bring your truck to bring home a 4-year-old Pineapple Pear Tree for planting this fall. Of course, everything’s grown in that magical, all-natural soil mix that they also create at the plantation. If you time it right, you won’t miss a 1pm Honey Extraction Demo by Rob Liakos from Hen Pecked Farm. The sale runs 10am-4pm tomorrow only. Use this address to get there: 4296 Springfield Road, Newington, GA.

COMING UP SOON:
NATIONAL FARMERS MARKET WEEKAUG 3-9
National Farmers Market Week is fast approaching. Here’s what we’ve got in the works:

SCHOOL DAY SOIREETUES, AUG 5
The Veggie Truck Farmers Market will throw a “School Day Soiree” on Tuesday, Aug 5. Come sample veggie finger sandwiches by Chef Charleen Tinley and sip on fancy fruity drinks with volunteers from Augusta Locally Grown. We’ll have a college student veggie pasta cook-off, bingo for school supplies, a “Farmers Market Hat” contest, and a market tote bag give-away. The Veggie Truck Farmers Market is located across from the Kroc Center in Harrisburg. And yes: WE DOUBLE EBT thanks to our awesome partnership with Wholesome Wave Georgia! To volunteer or compete in the cook-off that day, please contact AJ Evans at evans.austinj@gmail.com.

MARKET TOTE BAG GIVE-AWAYTHUR, AUG 7
The Evans Towne Farmers Market will give away super cute and very practical market tote bags on Thursday, Aug 7 in celebration of National Farmers Market Week. Bags will be free to the first 75 patrons who attend. (One per family, please.) Each tote will include a free raffle ticket for a chance to win our cornucopian door prize. Big thanks to AgGeorgia Farm Credit for sponsoring this event. You must be present to win!

RAMEN NOODLE REVOLUTION: A COLLEGE STUDENT CONTESTTHUR, AUG 14
In our third round of “Market Stadium” this year, local college students will compete to transform those nasty ramen noodles packets into something fabulous, using fresh, local ingredients. Hosted by the Evans Towne Farmers Market, the contest will feature 7 college-enrolled contestants who are serious about cooking. There are a few spots left and no fee to compete. We supply the ramen and an outdoor “kitchen” tent. You supply the additional ingredients and equipment. Seven competitors, four judges, one trophy. Big thanks in advance to the GRU student volunteer set-up crew! Email kim@augustalocallygrown.org to sign up!

BENDERDIGGER YOUTH GARDENING PROJECTJULYNOVEMBER
The BenderDigger Youth Gardening Project at the River Island Community in Evans has a few more spots open for budding young veggie farmers, ages 6-13. This very-hands-on, Monday evening educational program is run by Kristina Williams of the BenderDinker, in partnership with Augusta Locally Grown. Visit www.benderdigger.com for details. Contact benderdinker@gmail.com to enroll.

COMING THIS FALL

RAISED BED WINTER GARDEN WORKSHOP & GARDEN MEALSAT, SEPT 6
Learn the finer points of winter vegetable gardening with the dynamic father-son team at Legacy Gardens: Steve & David Gianino. Located in Evans, the hands-on, in-depth workshop starts at 2pm. A wholesome, simple dinner will be served in the garden afterwards. Don’t be shy to bring questions specific to your own plot; from basic to advanced, all are welcome. The men will also offer organically-grown seedling starts for sale, including kale, broccoli, chard and cabbage … perfect for the winter garden. Workshop tickets are $20. A donation to ALG from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Aiken is being used to offer scholarships for this workshop to those who find the ticket price a hardship. Please contact kim@augustalocallygrown.org to apply for scholarship. Tickets are available through our on-line market or contact David directly at legacygardener@yahoo.com.

URBAN FARM TOUR & PROGRESSIVE MEALSUN, SEPT 7
We’ll be touring and enjoying a progressive meal at a series of urban farms this fall, with a focus on the east side of the Savannah River. Bottle Tree Farm of Augusta and Icebox Farm of North Augusta are already on the tour; we’re firming up other locations now. As enlightening as it will be delicious, this is a great way to share an autumn daytrip with a special someone. Details and ticket sales announced soon.

TASTES OF EARTH: AN EDUCATIONAL FARM & SITE TOUR, FOLLOWED BY AN ELEGANT FARM DINNERSAT, OCT 4
Southern Native Plantings at Longwood Plantation will partner with Culinary Connections to host an Educational Greenhouse, Nursery & Soil Education Tour followed by an Elegant Farm Dinner by Chef Charleen. Imagine sipping scoppernong wine sangria while you learn the finer points of native plant propagation in an organically certified greenhouse. Plan to nibble roasted okra with kale dip and pickled crudités while hearing about the vital role that soils plays in the nutritional value of your food. A five-course menu for the sit-down dinner nestled in a native plant habitat behind a fruit tree grove will soon be announced; tickets go on sale soon.

Augusta Locally Grown will provide table service for the meal, with the promise of a free meal in exchange to 10 volunteers. If you can commit to a full day of fun, hard work, please contact kim@augustalocallygrown.org.

THE ON-LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN


LET FOOD BE THY MEDICINECULINARY CLASS TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEMSATURDAY, JULY 19
Chef Charleen Tinley will partner with Kim Beavers of Channel 12’s “Eating Well with Kim” to host an immunity-building cooking class tomorrow morning, starting at 11am. The class will be held at the West End Market in Harrisburg and feature loads of local seasonal foods! To register, contact ctinley@comcast.net.

THE BENDERDIGGER YOUTH GARDENING PROGRAMSTARTS MONDAY, JULY 21
This year the Benderdigger Youth Gardening Project at River Island in Evans will be open to youth outside the community for a 3-month Monday evening program starting July 21. Ages 6-13 are welcome. This fun, very-hands-on program is run by Kristina Williams of the Benderdinker in partnership with Augusta Locally Grown. Enrollment details can be found at benderdigger.com.

SCHOOL DAY SOIRÉE ATTHE VEGGIE TRUCK FARMERS MARKETTUESDAY, AUGUST 5
In celebration of National Farmers Market Week, we’re hosting a School Day Soirée at the Veggie Truck Farmers Market. The soirée will feature veggie finger sandwiches with Chef Charleen of Culinary Connections and fancy fruity drinks at our Kids Activity tent. Market Hat Contest, Blueberry Bingo, and a school supplies give-away will round out the events. Come celebrate the school season at the Veggie Truck Market!

RAMEN NOODLE REVOLUTION: A COLLEGE STUDENT COOKING COMPETITIONTHURSDAY, AUGUST 14
The Evans Towne Farmers Market will host a Ramen Noodle Revolution” for college students who cook. Turn one of those nasty packets into a glorious meal using local foods! The competition is free; only 7 competitors will compete for the trophy. To enroll, contact kim@augustalocallygrown.org.

BIG THANKS to all the farmers, chefs, judges, sponsor, trophy artist and market patrons who made our Great Summer Tomato Sandwich contest such a success yesterday!!! How delicious it was!!!!

Cheers!
Kim

THE ON-LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN!


THE GREAT SUMMER TOMATO SANDWICH CONTEST AT THE EVANS TOWNE FARMERS MARKETTHURSDAY, JULY 17, 5pm
Picture this: 7 chefs, 42 locally grown tomatoes, 4 judges, 1 trophy. The heat is ON! “Market Stadium” will once again take the stage with Augusta’s top chefs competing to create the season’s best tomato sandwich. The best part: market patrons will be invited to sample! Come cheer on these chefs who regularly support local farmers: Here’s the line up:

  • Chef Christopher Byrd, The Retreat Tapas Bar
  • Chef Dave McCluskey, Local Pop
  • Chef Anne Mcinnis
  • Chef Lonnie Stephenson, Edgar’s Grille
  • Chef Kit Stiles-Williams, Matters of the Heart
  • Chef Charleen Tinley, Culinary Connections
  • Chef Matthew Wallace, A Table and A Season

This event is sponsored by AgGeorgia Farm Credit and the trophy was created by Handcrafted Cutting Boards. Big thanks to them all!

LOCAL FOODS EDUCATION CLASSROOM:
The West End Market & Bakery in Harrisburg has graciously provided space to create a “Local Foods Education Classroom.” Several community partners are working together to create a garden tool lending library, a culinary arts classroom and a seed swap bank … all within the bright, cheery classroom on Broad Street. Big thanks to Culinary Connections and the Savannah River Grange for jumping in with us to get the work done.

FRIG DONATION NEEDED:
We are in dire need of a donated full-size refrigerator for the Local Foods Education Classroom. Please contact kim@augustalocallygrown.org if you have an extra for us. We’ll glad come pick it up.

THE WEST END CSA:
This week, the West End Market & Bakery launched an all-new CSA! Working with many of the farmers you already know and love, the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) provides you with a special deal on a weekly basket of seasonal foods for a set number of weeks. In exchange, you provide the farmers with an upfront payment as commitment to their good work. To learn more, contact hexemausfarms@gmail.com.

NATIONAL FARMERS MARKET WEEKAUGUST 3-9
So … here’s a scoop for you …. the US Postal Service will be issuing a farmers market postage stamp in celebration of National Farmers Market Week in early August. Yep, you know things are getting serious when your social movement gets a stamp. Here at Augusta Locally Grown, we’re also gearing up for the national celebration. Chef Charleen Tinley has already signed on to do cooking demos at the Veggie Truck Market and the Evans Towne Market that week. WANT TO HELP MAKE IT AWESOME TOO??!! Contact Kim at 706-288-7895 and we’ll brainstorm!!!

RAMEN NOODLE REVOLUTION: A COLLEGE STUDENT COOKING COMPETITIONAUGUST 14
The Evans Towne Farmers Market has just announced its “Ramen Noodle Revolution” for college students who cook. Turn one of those nasty packets into a glorious meal using local foods! The competition is free; only 8 competitors will compete for the trophy. To enroll, contact kim@augustalocallygrown.org.

See you all at the markets!
- Kim

THE ON-LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN


Here’s to a safe, playful and delicious July 4th weekend with family, friends and neighbors.
See y’all at the markets next week!
- Kim

THE ON-LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN


UPCOMING LOCAL FOODS EVENTS:

CHICKEN SWAPSATURDAY, JUNE 28
The Savannah River Grange will host a “Chicken Swap” at the Tractor Supply on Bobby Jones in Augusta this Saturday, June 28, 9am-2pm. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet other local hobby farmers who sell, buy or trade small livestock, or just learn how to get started raising your own backyard hens. The event is free to attend. To set up a booth, contact david@savannahrivergrange.org.

MEET THE FARMER CULINARY CLASSMONDAY, JUNE 30
Chef Charleen will host a “Meet the Farmer” cooking class, paired with wine, at the West End Market & Bakery in Harrisburg on Monday, June 30. The theme is “Summer Corn Fritters, Summer Veggie Salad, What the Heck is Okra, Fruit Dessert.” To enroll, contact ctinely@comcast.net.

VOLUNTEER WORK DAY TO CREATE A GARDEN TOOL LENDING LIBRARY & CULINARY CLASSROOM AT THE WEST END MARKET & BAKERYMONDAY, JULY 7
On Monday, July 7, ALG will partner with the West End Market & Bakery and the Savannah River Grange to set up a Garden Tool Lending Library and Culinary Classroom in Harrisburg. The volunteer work will start at 1pm and go until 5pm. Five committed and semi-skilled volunteers are needed to paint, make shelves, and hang peg boards. Work space is limited. To thank our volunteers, we invite you to enjoy a Local Foods Cooking Class with Chef Charleen of Culinary Connections, that evening, starting at 6pm. To sign up to volunteer, contact kim@augustalocallygrown.org or david@savannahrivergrange.org.

THE GREAT SUMMER TOMATO SANDWICH CONTESTTHURSDAY, JULY 19
Things are really starting to come together for our 1st annual “Great Summer Tomato Sandwich Contest” at the Evans Towne Farmers Market. The event will be sponsored by AgGeorgia Farm Credit with a beautiful trophy made by Handcrafted Cutting Boards of Augusta.
We already have six local chefs lined up to compete, and are looking for two more:
• Chef Christopher Byrd of “The Retreat”
• Chef Dave McCluskey of “Local Pop”
• Chef Lonnie Stephenson of “Edgar’s Grille”
• Chef Charleen Tinley of “Culinary Connections”
• Chef Kit Stiles-Williams of “Matters of the Heart”
• Chef Matthew Wallace of “A Table & A Season”
Please save this date to come to the farmers market and cheer on these chefs who are so committed to local foods! And yes, YOU get to taste the creations too!

FRIG DONATION NEEDED:
We’re looking for a donation of a working, full size refrigerator for our on-line market pick-up location downtown. If you’ve got an one extra sitting around, we’d really appreciate it, and we can certainly come get it, too. Contact kim@augustalocallygrown.org.

MARKET INTERNS AND MARKET MANAGERS:
It’s that time of year when we begin to say goodbye to some wonderful folks and start training some wonderful new ones. Here’s what’s in the works:

OUTGOING:

  • Hugs to Sandi Johnson who recently transitioned from her role as ALG On-Line Downtown Market Manager to focus more on her store.
  • Hugs to Meghann McElroy who recently transitioned from the ALG On-Line Riverwood Market Manager position and will fill-in at the AJCC location as needed.
  • Hugs to Leslie Carson who is transitioning away from her role as Market Manager at the Evans Towne Farmers Market to focus on her soap business.
  • Hugs to our interns who will soon be leaving for college: Amy’s going to the University of Puget Sound; Jackson’s going to UGA; Briaunna and Daniel are going to GRU; Aarish is going to Brown University; Tony has joined the U.S. Army and ships off in September.
    INCOMING:
  • Welcome Maggie Hines who will take over as Market Manager at the Evans Towne Farmers Market and help with the Veggie Truck Farmers Market this summer.
  • Welcome to new interns Russell, Erin and Hannah who have been working hard at the Evans Towne Farmers Market this summer.
  • Welcome to new intern Daniel (a second Daniel!) who has been helping with the Veggie Truck Farmers Market.
  • Welcome to new interns Priscilla and Adolfo who are assigned to our AJCC market pick-up location.
    STAYING ON:
    So so grateful to these interns who are staying on with us for the fall semester and providing some much-needed continuity and experience:
  • Tabias at the ALG Downtown Market.
  • Kyong at the Evans Towne Farmers Market.
  • Daniel has transitioned from his long stint as “milk man” at our AJCC location to help run our ALG Downtown location.

See you all at the markets on Tuesdays and Thursdays!

Cheers!
Kim

Weblog Entry


THE ON-LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN

MID SUMMER PICNIC AT THE VEGGIE TRUCK FARMERS MARKETTUESDAY, JUNE 24
Celebrate summer with us at the Veggie Truck Farmers Market in Harrisburg! Music, games, cooking demo, sidewalk chalk vegetable drawing contests, blueberry bingo, food by Recovery BBQ and more! Meet folks from Wholesome Wave Georgia and other local food activists. Bring a blanket! Located at the corner of Broad & Eve streets, across from the Kroc Center in Harrisburg. Remember: we double EBT!!!!

QUICK, COLD & RAWWEDNESDAY, JUNE 25
Chef Charleen of Culinary Connections will host a “Quick, Cold & Raw” cooking class featuring local, seasonal veggies at the West End Market & Bakery in Harrisburg this Wednesday evening. Only $20! Contact ctinley@comcast.net to enroll.

CALLING LOCAL CHEFS & OTHER SERIOUS COOKSTHURSDAY, JULY 17
The Evans Towne Farmers Market will host a “Great Summer Tomato Sandwich Contest” on Thursday, July 17. Up to 8 contestants will compete for one beautiful trophy. Qualified judges are also being recruited. We supply the locally grown tomatoes; contestants supply the rest of the ingredients to make four sandwiches. This will be the second in our cooking contest series which we call “Market Stadium!” Starts at 5pm. Contact kim@augustalocallygrown.org to register to as a competitor.

LOTS OF THANK YOUS TO SEND OUT THIS WEEK :
Our “Cooler than a Cucumber Salad Kids Cooking Contest” was a wonderful success thanks to our fabulous youth contestants: Antonio, Natalie, Nathan, Russell, Sage, Westyn and trophy-winner Sophy. Also thanks to our fabulous judges Greg Cowling, Kat Ethington, Dana Keen & Samantha Taylor; to Tim of “Handcrafted Cuttingboards” who donated beautiful boards to all seven youth competitors; to all the parents and grandparents for their guidance; to Rock Bottom Music for the sound system; and to my daughter Maggie for her priceless help creating an outdoor cooking stage in 97 degree weather.

Our experiment with “Local Bulk” also went well thanks to farmer Matt, volunteer sorters Andre & Maggie, and to all the customers who played along.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Thrilled to announce the election of our 2014-2015 board members (some returning; some brand new) for Augusta Locally Grown’s nonprofit organization:
Amy Sutter – President
Landon Dawson – Vice President
Leslie Carson – Treasurer
Lauren Belcher
Matt DeMatteo
Steve Gianino
Sandy Legette
Jenny Jia
Judy Maxwell
Janie Peel
Jan Perry
Laurie Ritchie

We’ll share more information about the efforts of this wonderful group soon!

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS:
A three-farm urban farm tour in Aug or Sept.
A muscadine wine making workshop in Sept
A hands-on beekeeping workshop in Oct.
A road-trip to an urban farm in Atlanta in Oct.

Cheers!
Kim

Posted by: Kim Hines at Friday June 13, 2014 12:10 PM EDT

THE ON-LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN


LOCAL BULK: AN EXPERIMENT IN GROUP BUYING
This week we launch a fun, new way to purchase seasonal foods en masse. We are calling it “Local Bulk.” Think of it as crowd sourcing for farmers! Here’s how it works:

  • Each “round” we will feature one crop from one farmer to sell in bulk at a super reduced price.
  • This round we’re featuring Sweet Yellow Onions from East Georgia Produce.
  • The farmer sets a target group sales goal. This round the goal is 100 lbs.
  • The farmer sets a reduced price. Matt’s onions usually sell for $1.50/lb. He has set the bulk rate at 90 cents/lb.
  • You pre-order as many shares as you like. Each share gets you 1 lb of onions for 90 cents. For example, you get 10 lbs for 9.00. Invite your friends to order shares! Invite your family members to order shares! This is a great way to introduce them to ALG … or just order for them! Whatever works.
  • Here’s the thing: A total of 100 shares has to be ordered this weekend in order for the deal to go through. If 100 shares are not ordered, all shares will be cancelled.
  • If the goal is met, 100 lbs of onions will be delivered in bulk on Tuesday to our market pick-up locations. A volunteer (maybe you!?) will sort, bag and distribute the onions according to the shares sold. This saves the farmer time, labels and packaging.
  • Yes, this is a simple way for you to help us get more folks involved in buying local foods! Yes, this is a great way for you to bulk up on some staple items at a great price. And yes … it’s also a fun opportunity to support a farmer.
  • If this goes well, we’ll feature a different farmer for every round.

Contact kim@augustalocallygrown if you’d like to be the sorting volunteer this round! Your time commitment would be 2pm-7pm, this Tuesday, June 17.

Good luck! And HAPPY BULKING!

GARDEN TOOL LENDING LIBRARY AT THE WEST END MARKET!
We are excited to partner with the West End Market & Bakery to create a “Garden Tool Lending Library!” Big hugs to Jason Wynn for donating his garden tools to get this community-sharing project started. Garden tools will be loaned free of charge, with a small refundable security deposit. Visit the West End Market & Bakery for details about borrowing. Contact kim@augustalocallygrown.org if you’d like to donate your tools to the “community shed.”

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS:

  • FARM FRIDAY AT WHITE HILLS FARMFRIDAY, JUNE 13
    Every Friday is “Farm Friday” at White Hills lavender farm. Stop by this gorgeous herb farm in Dearing, GA, to experience a uniquely peaceful afternoon.
  • COOLER THAN A CUCUMBER SALAD KIDS COOKING CONTESTTHURSDAY, JUNE 19
    We’ve got all our youth contestants, our judges, and our trophy ready for competition at the Evans Towne Farmers Market this Thursday. Now we just need to gather an enthusiastic crowd to cheer and help judge! Come watch these 8 creative young people turn regular ol’ cucumbers into culinary art. Market starts at 4:30pm; contest starts at 5pm.
  • MID SUMMER PICNIC AT THE VEGGIE TRUCK FARMERS MARKETTUESDAY, JUNE 24
    Celebrate summer with us at the Veggie Truck Farmers Market in Harrisburg! Music, games, cooking demo with Chef Charleen, sidewalk chalk vegetable drawing contests, blueberry bingo, food by Recovery BBQ and more! Meet folks from Wholesome Wave Georgia and other local food activists. Bring a blanket! Located at the corner of Broad & Eve streets, across from the Kroc Center in Harrisburg. Remember: we double EBT!!!!

WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON WITH LOCAL FARMERS FOR LATER THIS SUMMER AND FALLDETAILS TBA

  • A tomato sandwich adult cooking contest in July.
  • A pick-you-own blueberries afternoon in July.
  • A three-farm urban farm tour in Aug or Sept.
  • A muscadine wine making workshop in Sept
  • A hands-on beekeeping workshop in Oct.
  • A road-trip to an urban farm in Atlanta in Oct.

WANT TO HELP WITH ANY OF THESE? LET US KNOW SOON!

Cheers!
Kim

THE ON-LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN


LOADS OF GOOD FOOD EVENTS COME UP!

SATURDAY, JUNE 7
DUCK DAYS AT ICEBOX FARM
Enroll in this engaging and informative day at this beautiful farm in North Augusta. The workshop includes a complete demo of duck processing from farm to plate. Chef David McCluskey will then lead the group in making a scrumptious Duck Bog afterwards. Contact tasha@iceboxfarm.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 7
MEET THE FARMER COOKING CLASS
Join Chef Charleen at the West End Market in Augusta as she leads you in a hands-on cooking class featuring organic veggies from Addersons Fresh Produce of Keysville. In fact, meet the farmers, Sam & Loretta Adderson, too! Contact ctinley@comcast.net.

SATURDAY, JUNE 14
JOURNEE DU LAPIN WORKSHOP AT ICEBOX FARM
Here’s another fascinating farm-to-plate class, this one featuring fresh local rabbit. Tickets available through ALG on-line or on their website.

THURSDAY, JUNE 19
COOLER THAN A CUCUMBER SALAD KIDS COOKING COMPETITION AT THE EVANS TOWNE FARMERS MARKET
Calling all young chefs! Sign up to compete in our Cooler than a Cucumber Kids Cooking Competition on Thursday, June 19. Eight contestants (ages 10-16) will create their unique creations for 16 judges in pursuit of the trophy. We provide the cucumbers from a local farm; you provide the fixings. To compete, email kim@augustalocallygrown.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 24
MID-SUMMER PICNIC AT THE VEGGIE TRUCK FARMERS MARKET
Welcome the summer harvest with special events at our Mid-Summer Picnic at the Veggie Truck Market. Music, games, cooking demos, sidewalk chalk vegetable drawing contests, blueberry bingo, $2 burgers and more! Meet folks from Wholesome Wave Georgia and other local food activists. Bring a blanket! Located at the corner of Broad & Eve streets, across from the Kroc Center in Harrisburg. Remember: we double EBT!!!!

THURSDAY, JULY 17
THE GREAT SUMMER TOMATO SANDWICH CONTEST AT THE EVANS TOWNE FARMERS MARKET
Same thing, but we’re stepping it up. This one will feature local chefs and other serious adult homecooks. Eight contestants, 16 judges, one trophy! We provide the heirloom tomatoes from the Urban Ag R&D Project in Appling; you provide the fixings. Get ready for “Market Stadium” folks!!!!! To compete, send your food bio to kim@augustalocallygrown.org.

THINGS TO LOOK FOWARD TO IN THE FALL:
DATES TBA:
- CROB MOB AT HARD EARTH FARM
- WINTER GARDEN WORKSHOP AT LEGACY GARDENS
- MUSCADINE WINE MAKING & MORE
- VEGGIE TRUCK CAFE, POPUP DINNERS IN HARRISBURG

BIG THANKS!
Big thanks to Sandi Johnson and family of Hexemaus Farm for hosting such a great Pickin’ Party last weekend; to Chef Charleen for feeding us all so well; and to all those great volunteers for braving the briars.

See you all at the markets!
-Kim