Weblog Entry

WELCOME BYNE BLUEBERRY FARM:
Byne Blueberry Farm, one of the oldest certified organic blueberry farms in the United States, has joined our on-line market. Blueberry season is still a ways-away, but these folks have created some gems that keep throughout the year. One such goodie is their “Georgia Bar,” a whole-grain snack made with all Georgia-grown ingredients. It won the UGA “Flavor of Georgia” award for 2013. Their secret? Farmer Dick Byne reports that his soil is comprised of 5.2% organic matter; the national standard for organics is 2% … obviously these folks are treating their land right! Byne Blueberry Farm is beloved as a pick-your-own location in the CSRA and we’ll be sure to schedule some ALG outings when the season arrives!

COOKING CLASS VOLUNTEER FOR THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB IN HEPHZIBAH: MONDAYS
We’re looking for one more volunteer to help with the “Cooking Matters” classes that ALG is helping to teach at the Boys & Girls Clubs in Hephzibah on Mondays, 4-6pm. Our first class on April 1 was quite fun (and tasty), and a big thank you goes out to volunteer instructors Jason Wynn and Vicki Sasser. If you can help with any of our remaining five weeks of class, please email kim@augustalocallygrown.org.

CHICKS, DUCKLINGS, BUNNIES … AND ORGANICS: APRIL 20
Save the date for the most adorable workshop ever!!!! The Hobby Farmers Association of the CSRA will host a kid’s workshop on taking care of “Chicks, Ducklings and Bunnies” on Saturday, April 20, at 11am, at Trinity on the Hill UMC, Room A004. Best parking is the lot at the corner of Monte Santo & McDowell in Augusta. Master Gardener Kay Pittman will host a concurrent “Organic Gardening” workshop for adults. Visit their website at www.hobbyfarmersassociation.org for more information.

BENDERDINKER: APRIL 27
Join us for this one-of-a-kind paddle, local foods fest and concert on the River in Evans,GA. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Augusta Locally Grown, one of three nonprofit beneficiaries. Our proceeds will be used for youth gardening programs. Sign up to paddle at Benderdinker.com!

FIVE FARM TOUR: MAY 18-19
Chef Charleen of Culinary Connections & Augusta Locally Grown will host a Five Farm Tour on Sat, May 18 thru Sun, May 19. The price is $75 each and includes a Saturday lunch, tour, and make-and-take vinegar workshop at White Hills Lavender Farm, a tour and farm bbq at Savannah River Farm, a tour and cheese tasting at Flat Creek Dairy, an antique mill tour at Freemans Mill, and a Sunday evening garden harvest and cooking class at Walker Organic Farms. Transportation and lodging is not included in the price; lodging at your choice of two locations in Statesboro will be recommended. Tickets on sale now! Space limited to 20.

VEGGIE TRUCK FARMERS MARKET: EVERY TUESDAY
Big hugs to the farmers who have committed to the Veggie Truck Farmers Market in Harrisburg every Tuesday evening, 4:30pm-7pm: Addersons Fresh Produce, Shady Creek Greens, JandL Farm and Stable, Icebox Farm and Crossed Stars Farm. This is the only farmers market in the Augusta area that accepts food stamps; in fact, with a grant from Wholesome Wave Georgia, we are able to double the value of those benefits when you purchase from these local farmers. Come join the fun and generous spirit of the Veggie Truck Team at St. Luke United Methodist Church, Augusta.

See you all at the markets on Tuesday and/or Thursday!
Kim