The Green Lifestyle

The community that the Oxford Farmer’s Market provides…

eng111s — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 22:00:04 +0000

Why is Oxford’s farmers’ market special? We left it to the vendors and customers to answer this question. A certain apple vendor said that he gets more business here than anywhere else (see interview). I asked him how that was possible and he said it was the people of Oxford that have been driving his business. Behind him was a truckload of crates filled with apples. I couldn’t believe he was able to sell all those apples just by coming to a farmers’ market. It turns out there is a substantial exchange of goods happening on a regular basis in our town square. Oxford has an affinity for local markets already, which is why farmers choose us over other communities. Customers like the simplicity and natural feeling of the farmers’ market. Not only this, but most of the produce is organic, promoting good health and well being. Farmers’ markets promote “living economies.” In these economies, citizens are given information uninfluenced by corporations and can therefore make informed decisions about the products they buy. Not only this, but living businesses value the well being of the stakeholders by paying attention to their needs and interests. Instead of trying to suck the money out of the community, these businesses look to build long-term profitability and are truly a part of the community. There owners don’t receive maximum returns, but instead “living returns” to promote a healthy, vibrant community. In fact, customers are willing to pay a premium price in appreciation of the farmers’ concern for the community.

-Pavan

eng111s — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:59:01 +0000

Why is organic food so expensive?

eng111s — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:50:57 +0000

Why local? What incentives does one get from eating locally? Considering the fact from the Natural Recources Defense Council that “most produce grown in the United States travels an average of 1,500 miles before it gets sold”, I think it is in the very least a wise decision economically. It is true that when you are buying USDA approved organic food you will notice that many times it is more expensive than the other items like it on the shelf. There are a few reasons why this is the case according to the Food and Agriculture Association:

· The organic food supply is limited as compared to demand.

· Production costs for organic foods are typically higher because of greater labor input and because farmers don’t produce enough of a single product to lower the overall cost.

· Post-harvest handling of relatively small quantities of organic foods results in higher costs because organic and conventional produce must be separated for processing and transportation.

· Marketing and the distribution chain for organic products are relatively inefficient, and costs are higher because of relatively small volumes.

Also,

· Environmental enhancement and protection (and avoidance of future expenses to mitigate pollution)

· Higher standards for animal welfare

· Avoidance of health risks to farmers due to inappropriate handling of pesticides (and avoidance of future medical expenses)

· Rural development by generating additional farm employment and assuring a fair and sufficient income to producers

Bearing in mind all of these things, it is easy to recognize that yes, when you are at the grocery store and you are buying organic food (which is also local hopefully J) the bill will be a little higher than if you weren’t. However, it’s important to realize that what you are spending money on really does affect your community, state, country, and world. Once again, although this is a time in our economy where for many, every penny counts, we must not forsake our national and global responsibilities.

-Chelsea

eng111s — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:49:07 +0000

Tofu Pumpkin Pie Recipe

eng111s — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:47:55 +0000

Ingredients:

1 can (16 ounces) pureed pumpkin
3/4 cup sugar or sucanat (or 1/2 cup maple syrup)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground allspice, optional
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
2-3 tablespoons cornstarch to firm up the pie filling
1 package (10-12 ounces) silken/soft tofu
1 9-in unbaked vegan pie shell

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 F. Blend the pumpkin and sugar. Add salt, spices, cornstarch and tofu, mix thoroughly. Pour mixture into pie shell and bake for 15 minutes. Lower heat to 350 F and bake for another 60 minutes. Chill and serve. Dont use the low fat tofu, then the pie tastes like it was made with tofu. This pie is soooo yummy, it will fool almost anyone. I made it last Thanksgiving for my whole family, I am the only one, and everyone asked for seconds. They begged me to make another one for Christmas dinner. Top with non dairy topping and it will fool any pumpkin pie lover.

Serves: 8

Preparation time: about 1 hour + chilling time

Going Green

eng111s — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:41:51 +0000

So since everyone in the world is going “green” lately, I decided to do my duty as a concerned citizen and stop by a farmers market this weekend. There is a great little farmers market in Oxford Ohio just off of High St. Having never been to a farmers market before, I had no idea what to expect. Upon arriving, I immediately noticed the local feel of Oxford. Parents and their children were walking around talking to all of the vendors. If was easy to see that the vendors had relationships with all of the local customers. I myself started talking to some of these vendors, asking them general questions about the market. They were all very friendly people and they had a lot to say. One vendor said that the Oxford farmers market was the smallest market he sold at and yet, he profited the most from this market. After an entertaining morning at the farmers market, I would definitely recommend stopping by and picking up some fresh produce, not only for the delicious flavor, but to also support your local economy.

-Kyle

eng111s — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:37:35 +0000

Oxford Farmer’s Market

eng111s — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:55:13 +0000

Having visited Oxford’s farmers’ market, I know how dynamic a scene it is. I was surprised to find that the market was in operation although it was so cold. As a side note of appreciation for those working the market, I must say that their determination is what makes it all possible. Whether it be the vendors under the tents or the local customers, everyone seemed to enjoy the whole process of buying and selling goods at the market. Shopping here makes you an integral and essential part of the Oxford community. The social aspect of Oxford’s farmers’ market in particular seems to be a driving growth factor. What sets these markets apart from super markets is their home town feel. I saw people bringing their entire family along with them to shop for fruits and vegetables. Visiting the farmers’ market is almost like going to a town fair. There have been small parades and even live music while people go around to the various tents. Holidays like Johnny Appleseed day are celebrated to attract even more customers. Who doesn’t like the friendly aura of Oxford’s farmers’ market? In fact, this approachable characteristic is crucial in diverting super market regulars. One look at their website and you’ll see just how many happy faces there are at the market. At Oxford’s farmers’ market, you aren’t just fulfilling your grocery needs, but you’re seeing familiar faces and making new friends in the process. There is something about the place that makes you want to go back. Just like Kyle, Chelsea and I, increasing awareness has drawn more students and teachers uptown on a weekly (or once in three weeks during the winter) basis.

-Pavan

eng111s — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:33:09 +0000

There are many reasons to buy produce locally. First of all, the food is much fresher that food you would find in a supermarket. The farmers harvest all their own food and pick it a day or two before they sell it. Also, most of the farmers produce all organic food. No pesticides are used and the food tastes better than the food from the supermarket. Not only that, but you do your local economy a great favor by buying food from the farmers market. The reason the farmers can continue to sell their food is because they have regular customers that stop by every weekend to buy their food. If you have never been to a farmers market, it is certainly something to invest a Saturday morning into.

-Kyle

What can a local market do for you?

eng111s — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:21:43 +0000

Buying from the local farmers market is a great way to help your local economy. No matter where you live, stopping by a local farmers market is a great way to, not only get fresh food that tastes great, but also help the local farmers in your area. The farmers market in Oxford also offers a lot of programs and incentives for the local people to buy their produce. The Sprout program, which was started this year, is a program that encourages parents to bring their children with them when they come to the farmers market. The kids can go to the market and color their own t-shirt or bag to take home with them when their parents leave. The local farmers need the help of the people within their community so plan some time this weekend to stop by and check out your local farmers market.

-Kyle

Here are some pictures from Oxford’s Farmer’s Market: