Buy Local Food In Kitsap

Buy Local Food In Port Orchard

The Port Orchard Farmers’ Market, one of the largest on the Kitsap Peninsula opens on Saturdays, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm from roughly April through October. For more information visit Port Orchard Farmers’ Market.

The food is great, the farmers are the best and we love Port Orchard!

Port Orchard Farmer’s Market Newsletter Update

Last modified on 2010-06-03 22:38:28 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

ASPARAGUS ALERT!!

We have fresh Columbia Basin asparagus coming in for the next couple of weeks from our new eastern Washington farmer Joe Moore of M & M Farming out of Pasco, WA. Think steamed, grilled, roasted!!

Port Orchard Farmers Market

VENDOR NEWS

Dave Osborn of Big Bear Smokehouse is now offering on-site knife sharpening.

Carrie Snyder of Carriecards has reloaded the sale basket. Check to see if some your favorite greeting cards are there and take a look at the new ones!

Grace Henson of Dancing Light Creations will be adding magic along with the creative balloon art already on offer.

Why have a farmer’s market?

Because Farmers’ markets benefit:

Producers:
They cut out the middleman allowing increased financial returns through direct selling, price control, and a regular cash flow.
They provide the producer with direct customer feedback on produce and prices.
Transport and packaging requirements are less thus reducing the producers’ costs.
They provide a secure and regular market outlet. This is especially valuable for; new producers, producers in organic conversion, and small scale producers who are unable to produce the quantity required by supermarkets
With the increase in market numbers it is possible for individual producers to attend a substantial number of different markets.

Consumers:
They provide direct contact and feedback between customers and producers, so you can be sure how your vegetables are grown and meat produced.
They help to improve diet and nutrition by providing access to fresh food.
They play an important role in educating the consumer as to the production and origin of their food.
They can be a source of information and inspiration on how to cook and prepare fresh ingredients.

The Environment:
They help reduce food miles, thus vehicle pollution, noise, and fossil fuel use.
They help to reduce packaging.
They encourage more environmental production practices, such as organic or pesticide free.
They encourage farm diversification and hence bio-diversity.

The Community & Local Economy:
They help bring life into towns and cities aiding regeneration.
They encourage social interaction particularly between rural and urban communities.
They stimulate local economic development by increasing employment, encouraging consumers to support local business, and thus keeping the money within the local community.

And best of all? THEY’RE FUN! So come on down!

Port Orchard Farmer’s Market Newsletter

Last modified on 2010-05-04 15:53:31 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

MOTHER’S DAY EDITION

Treat Mom to a blow-out weekend this year at the Farmer’s Market. Start with a leisurely stroll thru the market (a bag of Worlds Best Kettle Corn in hand) on Saturday to pick up your gifts and special treats for Mom.

For Sunday breakfast in bed, select some freshly made cinnamon rolls from Morningside Bakery, a jar of jam or chutney from Kerry’s Classic Condiments, some organic green tea from Tuset D’Mode, and maybe a selection of fine chocolates from Carter’s Chocolates or Aunt Billie’s.

Laura Pittman-Hewitt of Ambergardens

How about a stop for lunch at the famous Grillside BBQ or Uptown Mikes for an authentic Chicago or New York style hot dog?

For the Mother’s Day cooked feast? (It might be a little early for some great homegrown vegetables on the table, but check back throughout the summer.) But, try Tom Farmer Oyster’s for the freshest oysters and clams, Ike’s Fish for quality seafood. Check to see if Black Jack Valley Farm (a new vendor!) supplying the market with beef, chicken and eggs is here. For dessert…how about a dozen Bella Bella cupcakes (another new vendor!)? Show up early for best choice…on Opening Day they sold out all 28 dozen available! And toast mom with a bottle of locally made wine by Celebrations Wine (check out the customized labels…think Christmas gift?).

As for that special gift? Did you know we have over 40 fabulous and talented artisans and craftspeople? A Friend’s Love – soy candles and homemade soaps; C&M Crafts – handbags, scarves and more; Dancing Light Creations – hats, scarves, shawls and more; Essential Elements – salt and sugar scrubs, bath salts, handsoaks and bath potions; Gems and More – beautiful jewelry; and many more unique and special vendors.

Is Mom a gardener? You’ve hit the jackpot! We have over 30 local farmers and small plot vendors with items perfect for the northwest gardener or cook. Ambergardens feature organic and natural herbs and vegetable plants; Beautiful Bloomers has annuals, perennials, flowering trees and more; Hamilton Family Farms has tomato and vegetables in season (which is true of all of our produce vendors); Possum Run Farm has fresh produce and many varieties of heirloom tomatoes.

Stop by Helpline Foodbank Nursery and pick up some starter plants for your own or mom’s garden (and think about donating a portion of your bounty back to the Foodbank!). Be sure to visit the delightfully decorated Secret Garden Boutique for hanging flower baskets, yard art, more handbags and lovely hardy fuchsias and perennials.

Finish your day at the market with a bunch of fresh cut flowers from Lee’s Flowers or fresh or dried bouquets from the Davis Cousins.

Special occasion or not, the Port Orchard Farmer’s Market is a great place to shop for healthy, locally sourced food. Come on down and meet the farmers, the craftspeople and get to know them all over again.

QUITZ-TIME MOTHER’S DAY MUG REMINDER

If you decorated a coffee cup last week for your Mother’s Day gift, remember to stop by during Market hours to pick up your work of art!
P. O. Box 8247
Port Orchard, Washington 98366