Producer-only Markets and Our Commitment to You | November 1, 2021

Fresh & Local:

Producer-only Markets and Our Commitment to You

Along with getting to serve the unique city that we all call home, one of the things that makes Crescent City Farmers Markets special is our commitment to being a producer-only market. What does this mean? By committing to being a part of a producer-only market, vendors agree to only sell foods at our markets that they themselves have grown, raised, caught or made, and reselling food from food distributors or larger corporate farms is not permitted. We all make this commitment because we believe that it helps ensure that our shoppers are getting the freshest local produce while forging direct relationships with food producers, vendors receive a fair price for the food they sell, and that it supports the long-term health of our local food system and local economy overall.

We take the commitment to being producer-only seriously, and want CCFM shoppers to always have confidence that the food they buy at our markets is local food. Our vendors go through a rigorous onboarding process that includes farm/ranch/boat visits, and vendors who do not follow the policy risk the opportunity to continue selling at markets.

A dollar spent buying directly from a farmer has about twice the impact on the local economy as spending a dollar on food that goes through a middleman like a supermarket. All of Crescent City Farmers Market vendors come from 200 or fewer miles away, and by selling food straight from a local farm we know that shortened timeline means fresher and more nutritious food for our community

Picks of the Week:

Thanks for Coming

Thanks to everyone who joined us over the weekend for our spooky Sunday Market at City Park. It’s that time of year where the weather can be just perfect for a farmers market and we were lucky to get one of the nicest days so far this fall. There was delicious food, fun kids activities, fabulous costumes, and great music from the New Orleans Rug Cutters to liven up spirits. This was our first full Sunday walk up market since the beginning of the pandemic and we were happy to see so many of you at the event. Even though drive through pick up has ended, we are now offering the convenient contactless option of preorder with curbside pickup and of course you can still preorder to pickup directly at the vendor. Preorder for Sunday market is open Wednesday - Friday. We hope to see you again next Sunday for four hours of regular walk up market!

Did you know November is Diabetes Awareness Month?

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a common disease across the country but in Louisiana it’s all too common, with health complications impacting people, families, and communities disproportionately. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) this disease affects over 500,00 people in the state of Louisiana, and an additional 100,000+ people have the disease and don’t know it. To learn your risk level of developing diabetes (type 2), take the ADAs Diabetes risk-test.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant at Crescent City Farmers Markets and an important part of a healthy diet for everyone, but especially in managing and preventing diabetes. Select foods that are higher in fiber and low in fat and sugar. Be sure your meals vary in color and include a balance of vegetables, protein, and carbohydrates. Lastly, increase water consumption and limit consumption on sweetened beverages.

Our partner, Ochsner Eat Fit, is debuting as a recurring guest at markets. This month, they will provide information specific to diabetes awareness, including providing education, resources, and tips on making healthier lifestyle choices. Make sure you visit them on the following dates:

Sunday Market at City Park November 7th

Thursday Market in Mid- City November 18th

Tuesday Market Uptown November 23rd

We’re Hiring!

Market Umbrella is passionate about the work we do, especially our work increasing local food access and addressing farmer recovery needs post-Ida. We are growing our team to help expand our programs and to support fundraising work like the Crescent Fund to support Crescent City Farmers Market farmers and vendors.

We are in the market for a Director of Development and Communications. This full-time staff member is responsible for leading the fundraising and communications activities of Market Umbrella and the Crescent City Farmers Markets. See full details here!

Market Umbrella is also expanding our programs team and are accepting applications for a part-time Program Coordinator to work on community outreach and support our nutrition education work. Learn more about this opportunity here!

Vendor of the Week:

Huckleberry Fred’s Creamery

What's the greatest cheese of all time? ...GOAT cheese! Husband and wife duo Chris and Tiffany McCarty dreamt up what is now Huckleberry Fred’s Creamery just a few years ago and have been successfully operating their dairy goat farm ever since. Based in Franklinton, Louisiana, Chris and Tiffany produce a creamy array of goat cheeses, goat milk, soaps, and eggs. Goat’s milk has often been sought out as a great alternative for cow’s milk as it contains less lactose, smaller fat globules, and is even richer in protein! Huckleberry Fred’s goat cheese makes a great addition to salads, pizza, pasta, or really any dish. Find Huckleberry Fred’s Creamery at all CCFM markets throughout the week!

Recipes of the Week:

Horchata

Here's a recipe hat promises a blend of fiber-rich ingredients and creamy goodness. Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with this nutrient-rich Horchata drink recipe that is both healthy AND delicious!

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!