THE ON-LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN

DOWNTOWN PICK-UP LOCATION … CHANGE FOR THE ON-LINE MARKET … STARTS TUESDAY FEB 4
Starting February 4th, our downtown pick-up location for the on-line market will move to the West End Market in Harrisburg, across from the Kroc Center. Parking is along Crawford Avenue and behind the store. Very excited for this beautiful new venue for local foods!

CHEF CHARLEEN OF CULINARY CONNECTIONS IS BACK!
Many of you know that our dear friend and fellow local foods advocate, Chef Charleen Tinley, spent most of 2013 undergoing treatment for breast cancer. It was a long, hard-fought battle, but with the new year comes good news of her recovery. In other words … she’s back!!! Chef Charleen will celebrate her return to the local culinary scene by offering “seasonal samples” of her recipes on Tuesday evenings in Feb at the West End Market pick-up. Visit www.chefcharleen.com for more info.

CROP MOB, FEBRUARY 13:
Honey Creek Mushrooms of Martinez will join up with members of the Red Cross Youth Board and Augusta Locally Grown top host a Crop Mob on Thursday afternoon, February 13, starting at 3:30pm. Work will include building a drainage ditch and starting a large compost area. A light meal will be shared following the work. Email student intern aarish.rojiani@gmail.com to sign up.

CALL FOR VENDORS FOR THE EVANS TOWNE FARMERS MARKET:
Vendor enrollment will begin next week for the Evans Towne Farmers Market. Visit www.evanstownefarmersmarket.com for guidelines and registration. Take advantage of the Early Bird discounts by registering soon. This market begins in March.

CALL FOR VENDORS FOR THE VEGGIE TRUCK FARMERS MARKET:
Farm vendors are sought for the Veggie Truck Farmers Market. There is no table fee; vendors must be local, committed to sustainable practices and willing to participate in healthy foods education. Come make a different in the community. Contact kim@augustalocallygrown.org. This market begins in March.

CALL FOR COOKING DEMO VOLUNTEERS:
Do you love to cook? Have you ever considered sharing your talents with others? We are currently putting together our calendar of weekly cooking demos for the Evans Towne Farmers Market and the Veggie Truck Farmers Market. We supply the locally grown ingredients, a tent, tables, signage, electricity and a couple of hot plates for cooking. You bring your talents, enthusiasm, cooking supplies, and any extra ingredients you might want to throw in. We are especially interested in vegetable-based cooking and ethnic meals. Give Kim a call at 706-288-7895 to sign up for a week! Or email kim@augustalocallygrown.org.

LOCAL FOODS CLASSROOM AT THE WEST END MARKET:
There’s more exciting news at the West End Market. Owner Sandi Johnson has announced the opening of the “Local Foods Classroom,” adjacent to the store. Augusta Locally Grown is spearheading an effort to install stainless steel teaching tables in the classroom, which will include a free cooking class once per month. If you or your business would like to sponsor the purchase of one of these tables, please contact kim@augustalocallygrown.org.

RECIPES!
Share your recipes on our on-line market! We’d love to know how you’re preparing these gorgeous ingredients.

Cheers!
Kim

THE ON-LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN

WELCOME NEW FARMER!
Thrilled to welcome Ward Farms, a new egg farmer located in Augusta, GA. Thanks for coming aboard Eva!

MOVING OUR DOWNTOWN PICK-UP LOCATION:
Starting Tuesday, Feb 4, we are moving our downtown pick-up location to the new West End Market, across the street from the Kroc Center. Big hugs to Shishir and Tara at Tire City Potters for all their past support, and more hugs to Sandi for guiding us into the future. We will continue our pick-up location at Tire City through January 28.

EVANS TOWNE FARMERS MARKET, CALL FOR FARMERS:
The Evans Towne Farmers market will begin taking applications for farm vendors this weekend. The market starts back up Thursday, March 6. Thanks to those farmers who have already committed to our 2nd season!

CROP MOB ON FEBRUARY 13:
One of our wonderful student interns is organizing a Crop Mob at Honey Creek Mushroom Farm in Martinez on Thursday, February 13, starting at 3:30pm. Thanks Aarish and Matthew!

PLANT A ROW FOR SUMMER CAMP!
Lauren Belcher – one of our most dedicated volunteers – is leading an effort to get local, organically grown food incorporated into a youth diabetes camp that she helps manage each summer. Savannah River Farm has already come on-board to support this effort. We’d also like our backyard gardeners within the ALG community to also consider “planting a row” of vegetables to donate to this camp in June. Thanks Lauren and Kellie!

ORGANIC GARDENING COURSE IN AIKEN, FEB 15:
The Aiken Chapter of the Weston Price Foundation is sponsoring a full-day course in organic vegetable gardening on Feb 15. The instructor is Dr. Calvin Bey. Now, I don’t know Calvin, but I’ve met his twin brother Alvin, and his depth of organic knowledge and practice and commitment blew me away!!! Hard to believe, but Calvin is supposed to be even better. The cost is $85 and I’m gonna tell you now … that’s a steal. Contact Alvin at aebey1936@yahoo.com to register.

ALG ANNUAL REPORT SLIDESHOW:
Please take a look at our “Annual Report SlideShow” on the ALG Facebook page today. It’s a collection of pictures from our nonprofit activities of 2013.

See you all at the market on Tuesday!
Cheers!
Kim

THE ON- LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN

Our local farmers weathered some pretty serious cold and wind this week. Some suffered financial loss of harvest and crops; others exhausted their energies keeping animals watered and safe. It is times like these that remind us we’re all in this together. If you’d like to reach out and lend some volunteer time to a local farm this winter, please ask. We’d be happy to help you make the connection.

Stay Warm and Healthy,
Kim

THE ON-LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE ALG COMMUNITY!

NEW ALG PROMOTIONAL VIDEO – One of our market customers – a local, professional videographer – has been working diligently behind the scenes of ALG for months. Zach Daniel is the strong, quiet type who volunteered to make us our first promotional video. It will soon be in our hands and ready for use! Thank you so very much Zach! You have been a joy to know and your gift will go a long way in spreading the news about the mission of ALG. Look for it soon on our website.

THE WEST END MARKET – IT’S OFFICIAL!
It’s official! The West End Market has announced that it will become a permanent daily market/store/cafe selling fresh, locally grown food and artisan products. Located in a beautiful, historic building across from the Kroc Center in Harrisburg, the West End Market started as a holiday partnership between Hexemaus Farm and Hard Earth Farm. Sandi Johnson of Hexemaus Farm has announced that she will continue it long-term as the store’s owner & operator. This is an incredible evolutionary step for the local foods movement in Augusta. Starting in mid-January, a half dozen or more local farmers will be selling from that store, including Tink’s Beef, Southern Swiss Dairy, Hard Earth Farm, Hexemaus Farm, B&G Honey, Honey Creek Mushrooms and Freeman’s Mill. That first phase will include dairy products, meat, baked goods, grains and mushrooms. The second phase will include fresh veggies and more. Long term goals include a commercial kitchen, a teaching center and an edible garden courtyard. Come support the start-up of the next big thing in local foods!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO J&L FARM AND STABLES:
J&L Farm and Stables was the featured honoree at the annual meeting of the Savannah River Resource Conservation and Development Council. It has been an honor to watch Laurie and John Ritchie at J&L go from start-up farm to celebrated farm in such a short time. Excellent choice RC&D!

Cheers!
Kim

THE ON-LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN

Celebrate the new year by renewing your commitment to buy, grow, cook, eat and enjoy clean, fresh, local food. See you at the market this Tuesday!!

THE ON-LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN

HOLIDAY GIFT BIZARRE:
Several of our locally grown vendors will set up a simple gift bizarre at the AJCC pick-up location this Tuesday. Come shop for your stocking stuffers with these great folks!

‘TIS THE SEASON TO DINKER:
Enrollment for the BenderDinker will open in December, just in time for a gift giving.! This April event is our nonprofit organization’s most important annual fundraiser. All ALG proceeds support our educational programs. Visit BenderDinker.com!

ON-LINE MARKET CLOSED DEC 24:
Our on-line market will NOT be open for Chrismas Eve this year. We WILL, however, be open on Dec 31, New Years Eve.

See you all at the on-line market on Tuesday! -Kim

Posted by: Kim Hines at Friday December 06, 2013 11:59 AM EST

THE ON-LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN

LOCALLY GROWN CHRISTMAS TREES!
Locally grown and gorgeous, these trees come from Clarks Hill Christmas Tree Farm, and are available through our on-line market this week only. ALG will include free delivery to your home if requested. Better yet, bring your loved ones directly to the farm to pick out & cut your own! Visit clarkshillchristmastreefarm.com.

HOLIDAY GIFT BIZARRE:
Several of our locally grown vendors will set up a gift bizarre at the AJCC pick up location this Tuesday. Come shop for your stocking stuffers with these great folks!

MORE PECANS NEEDED!
Our fabulous ALG interns (past & present) will once again gather this holiday season to crack & shell thousands of locally grown pecans. We call it “Ms. Kim’s Nutcracking Christmas Party” and, yes, some pain is involved. Their efforts will support our “Wholesome Wave” food stamps doubling program for the Veggie Truck Market. We are currently looking for donations of freshly harvested, uncracked pecans! Please call or text Kim at 706-288-7895 if you can provide a bushel or more!

MUSHROOM GROWING WORKSHOP – SAT, DEC 7:
Honey Creek Mushrooms of Martinez, GA, will host a mushroom cultivation workshop starting at 2p. Learn to grow oyster mushrooms in your home using wheat straw. This workshop will include a lecture, urban farm tour, gourmet tasting, and a hands-on activity. There are still a few workshop spaces open; contact Matthewsmushrooms@gmail.com to order your ticket directly.

OPEN HOUSE & HOLIDAY FARM SHOPPING – SAT, DEC 7:
White Hills Farm in Dearing, GA, will host a demonstration open house with demos in felting, natural dye and herb blends, along with locally-grown farm goods for sale. Enjoy the farm’s “Wild and Native” holiday theme. Free entry. Time: 3p-8:30p. Address: 1419 Fort Creek Road, Dearing, GA.

WELCOME WEST END MARKET & BAKERY!
Started in partnership between Hard Earth Farm and Hexemaus Farm, this adorable county-in-the-city holiday gift store opened in Harrisburg last week. If all goes well in December, there are plans to make it long-term, offering local produce, dairy, and meats. Visit them at 1808 Broad Street, across from the Kroc Center.

EDIBLE GIFT-MAKING WITH KIDS AT FORT GORDON:
This month, our kids culinary program at Fort Gordon is making edible gifts with locally grown and seasonal foods. This week the young students made Christmas Crunch Honey & Pecan Granola. Next week we’re making mint tea bags in pretty tins. Many thanks to all those who donate to this fund throughout the year. Your gifts help us make these educational activities extra fun and special.

‘TIS THE SEASON TO DINKER:
Enrollment for the BenderDinker will open in December, just in time for a stocking stuffer! This is our nonprofit organization’s most important annual fundraiser. All ALG proceeds support our educational programs. Visit BenderDinker.com!

GEORGIA ORGANICS CONFERENCE: FEB 21-22
Getting excited for the annual Georgia Organics conference, this year held in Jekyll Island. This event is an incredible gathering of good-good folks from throughout the southeast. Augusta, it’s time we do some representin’!! Visit georgiaorganics.org to enroll.

ON-LINE MARKET CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS EVE:
Our on-line market will NOT be open for Chrismas Eve this year. We WILL, however, be open on New Years Eve.

See you all at the on-line market on Tuesday! -Kim

THE ON-LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN

DEEP GRATITUDE FELT for all the people who have dedicated their lives to the growing of good food in our community. I’m sure I speak for the multitudes when I thank you for doing this work in a way that nurtures both people and land. Yesterday was a particularly delicious celebration of your efforts, but please know that every meal every day is appreciated and enjoyed.

THE ON-LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN

DEMONSTRATION OPEN HOUSE & HOLIDAY FARM SHOPPING: SAT, DEC 7
White Hills Farm is Dearing, GA, will host a demonstration open house with demos in felting, natural dye and herbal blends, along with locally grown farm goods for sale. Enjoy the farm’s “Wild and Native” holiday theme. Free entry. Time: 3pm-8:30pm. Address: 1419 Fort Creek Road, Dearing, GA.

MUSHROOM CLASS: SAT, DEC 7
Learn a simple and inexpensive way to grow oyster mushrooms in your home using wheat straw. This workshop will include a lecture, urban farm tour, gourmet tasting, and a hands-on activity where you will make your own oyster mushroom growing kit. Space is limited and tickets are available through Augusta Locally Grown On-Line.

NUTCRACKING CHRISTMAS FUNDRAISER FOR THE VEGGIE TRUCK MARKET: FRI, DEC 13
Got pecans? We’d sure appreciate them! Our wonderful high school interns (past and present) will crack and shell pecans all night on Dec 13 as a fundraiser for the Veggie Truck Market’s SNAP doubling program. We’re calling it “Kim’s Nutcracking Christmas Party,” and yes, there will be a little fun involved, too. Please consider bringing us a bag of fresh, uncracked pecans to the Tuesday market this week or next in support of this effort!

CYBER MONDAY SPECIALS NEXT WEEK:
Look for holiday farm specials next week through our on-line market.

THE WEST END HOLIDAY MARKET IS OPENING IN HARRISBURG: NOV 29-DEC 24
Two farmers (Hard Earth Farm & Hexemaus Farm) are teaming up to host a daily “Holiday Market” in a storefront located at 1808 Broad Street, Augusta.

Hours:
Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm.
Saturday, 7am-4pm.
Sunday, 1pm-4pm.

Baked goods, soaps, woven items and a variety of locally-grown holiday gift items will be for sale. Come out and support this new venture. The farmers are using this opportunity to test the waters for starting a possible permanent location where seasonal foods and other locally grown items are available on a daily basis.

GIVE THE GIFT OF BENDERDINKER:
What do you give the person who has everything? Give him or her the gift of Benderdinker!!! On-line enrollment for our popular April 26th event will open soon! And wrap that gift in a Benderdinker tree ornament while you’re at it! Available through our on-line market soon.

See you all at the market on Tuesday.
Cheers!
Kim

THE ON-LINE MARKET IS OPEN AT AUGUSTA LOCALLY GROWN

MUSHROOM GROWING WORKSHOP – DEC 7:
There’s a new mushroom farmer in town, and what fun he is! Matthew Kelly of Honey Creek Mushrooms will host a low-tech mushroom cultivation workshop on Sat, Dec 7, 2p, in Martinez. You will learn a simple and inexpensive way to grow oyster mushrooms in your home using wheat straw. This workshop will include a lecture, urban farm tour, gourmet tasting, and a hands-on activity where you will make your own oyster mushroom growing kit (an $18 value). Space is limited and tickets are available through Augusta Locally Grown On-Line!

BENDERDINKER – APR 26:
The theme for BenderDinker 2014 has been set: “Paddle Out and Eat!” All local food this year will be served out on the water from “Food Boats.” Enrollment for the BenderDinker will open in December, just in time for a stocking stuffer!

See you all at the on-line market on Tuesday! -Kim