Braised mix from Alm Hill Gardens. Photo copyright 2012 by Zachary D. Lyons.

A week ago, Alm Hill Gardens, which is just a few miles south of the Canadian border in Whatcom County, was buried in snow and ice, as the wrath of Old Man Winter poured out of the Frasier River Valley and punished Western Washington. But the beauty of snow surrounding hearty winter greens is that it insulates them from the bitter cold, and when the thaw comes, the greens spring back to life. So swing on by your Ballard Farmers Market today for some of Alm Hill’s braising greens mix, some kale, heck, even fresh tulips. ‘Cuz winter ain’t got us beat yet!

Pink lady apples from Collins Family Orchards. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

I heart pink lady apples, and Collins Family Orchards has some of the best pink ladies to be found anywhere. And this time of year, surprisingly enough, is the best time of year for them. Fresh out of storage, they are firm, crisp and sweet, and they will lift your spirits whilst you await longer, warmer, drier days in the months to come.

Carrots from Growing Things Farm. Photo copyright 2009 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Last week, the only greens in the Market were from the greenhouses of Colinwood Farms, and few freshly harvested veggies were to be had, as the great thaw had just begun. But today, Growing Things Farm has some freshly-dug carrots, which are especially sweet now, as a result of the recent cold whether. See, veggies protect themselves from the cold by producing sugars that act as an anti-freeze for them. And we benefit from extra-sweet veggies! Oh, and don’t forget to pickup some eggs, chicken, spuds, Brussels sprouts, and a little farmstead soap while you’re at it.

Delicious, fresh pork from Sea Breeze Farm. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Sea Breeze Farm has plenty of stellar pork, chicken, sausage, and all manner of other deliciousness this time of year. Get yourself some of their raw milk, and learn why they wear t-shirts in the summertime that say, “Legalize Milk.” Learn to enjoy meat and dairy again, the way it’s supposed to taste!

Brussels Sprouts from Nash's Organic Produce. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Nash’s Organic Produce was long on the roots and grains last week, as their farm was under 7″ of snow. But that’s all a distant memory now, and their kale, red cabbage, and these gorgeous Brussels sprouts survived the winter blast just fine – heck, better than fine! So come on down and get your veggie on!

Berry wines from Rockridge Orchards. Photo copyright 2010 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Last week, Rockridge Orchards couldn’t even make out of Enumclaw, let alone make it to your Ballard Farmers Market. They had lots of snow and ice, no power, and trees were down all over the place. It was one of the few Markets they have ever missed. And we missed them, too. But they’re back today with their awesome selection of sweet and hard ciders, fruit wines, and vinegars.

Purple kohlrabi from Stoney Plains Organic Farm. Photo copyright 2012 by Zachary D. Lyons.

And when is came to snow last week, Stoney Plains Organic Farm, from way down south in Tenino, took the big, err, prize with two feet! They weren’t going anywhere. But they, too, are back today, with all sorts of vegeliciousness. They have mastered the art of the year-round vegetable harvest, and a little — okay, a lot — of snow and ice isn’t about to stop them now. Swing by for greens, roots and legumes!

Pickled beets from Gaia's Natural Goods. Photo copyright 2012 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Welcome our newest vendor to your Ballard Farmers Market: Gaia’s Natural Goods. These pickled beets are made from beets from the family farm in Snohomish. And you can even take home a bottle of the pickling brine, great for dressing salads, as a marinade, or to do a little pickling of your own. Gaia’s Natural Goods celebrates beets as a superfood, nutrient dense with a laundry-list of benefits to one’s health. They pickle both golden and Detroit (red) beets. Serve them with a little fresh goat cheese for an extra special treat.

This boy knows a good thing when he sees it! Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

The good people behind Cupcake Luv picked a wise couple of weeks to go home to tropical climes in Asian. This missed all our Winter Blast mayhem. I imagine they enjoyed a good snicker at our expense while watching us act like idiots on YouTube during the calamity. And who can blame them? We are a laughable lot when it comes to winter weather around here, are we not? In any case, they, too, return to your Ballard Farmers Market today with their lovable cupcakes. Mmm. Cupcakes.

Hey, there is plenty of local deliciousness waiting for you today at your Ballard Farmers Market. Just check What’s Fresh Now! for a more complete accounting of what is in season right now.

Just another gorgeous day at your Ballard Farmers Market. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Thought we could all use this warm, sunny image from last May. Ah, doesn’t that sunshine feel good? And just look at that blue sky! Well, the good news is that the muck, slop and slush are just about gone, and things are getting back to normal. The kiddies will be back in school tomorrow, finally, and you’ll be back at work. And you will need nourishment to get you through it. So many of you were scared off from attending your Ballard Farmers Market last week for fear of snow that I imagine many of you practically starved to death this past week. And that is a shame, since we didn’t have any snow at your Ballard Farmers Market last Sunday – none! We could see it falling on Queen Anne — where it belongs, frankly! — but here in the People’s Republic of Ballard, it was like a magic force field had been erected, and we remained snow-free, with a full compliment of vendors! And we’ll have close to a full house today, too.

Collard greens from Colinwood Farms. Photo copyright 2012 by Zachary D. Lyons.

So come on down support your local farmer, and get some delicious local food in your belly after that long last week. Like these spectacular collard greens from Colinwood Farms. They will absolutely recharge you. And Colinwood will have salad mix, braising mix, some righteous kale, parnips and more today, too!

Gala apples from Tiny's Organic Produce. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Tiny’s Organic Produce will be in attendance today with lots of these gala apples, and a bunch of other organic apples, too. And given how many sniffles I heard while I was out and about on Saturday, you are gonna need some of these beauties in order to ensure that you keep the doctor away, right?

Beef steaks from Skagit River Ranch. Photo copyright 2012 by Zachary D. Lyons.

You know, being holed up in my house for a week, foraging out now and then for a brief walk in the frozen tundra of North Ballard, only to find almost every business, bank and library closed, I kinda started to develop a bit of a hankering for milder days, when I would fire up the barby on my deck to grill up a nice grass-finished beef steak from Skagit River Ranch. But this is Ballard, and a milder day simply means my Smokey Joe ain’t encased in ice. So grill I will tonight!

Purple top turnips from Full Circle Farm. Photo copyright 2012 by Zachary D. Lyons.

I’m thinking a nice root roast, and some of those aforementioned collard greens, will side my steak nicely, eh? Full Circle Farm has these lovely purple top turnips now, ripe for the roasting, as well as some gorgeous celeriac, and plenty more.

Kimchi brine from Firefly Kitchens. Photo copyright 2012 by Zachary D. Lyons.

You know what else those turnips would go well with? Some of this kimchi brine from Firefly Kitchens. You’ve had their outrageously good kimchi, right? Well, this is the juice left in the crock after the kimchi is fermented, then removed to be bottled. This stuff is incredible, and it’ll put some kick into all sorts of dishes. And like their various fermented foods, this stuff is alive with pro-biotics, and if I am anything, I am pro-biotic! Stop by and visit them for a sample taste. You will be going home with a bottle.

Gluten-free buckwheat flour from Nash's Organic Produce. Photo copyright 2012 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Back in 1999, during my first year as Executive Director of the Washington State Farmers Market Association, we had our board retreat in the tiny little city of Waterville, perched high up above the Columbia River gorge on Highway 2, surrounded by wheat fields. We met there then because grain, one of Washington’s largest crops, was essentially unheard of at farmers markets, and we wanted to be reminded of that while we met. 13 years later, much like wine, meat and cheese, we cannot imagine our Ballard Farmers Market without local grain products direct from area farms, and lots of baked goods made with local flour. But what we still have not had, until now, has been gluten-free flour. That changes today! Welcome buckwheat flour from Nash’s Organic Produce. Yup. You heard right! Enjoy!

Lavender honey from Golden Harvest Bee Ranch. Photo copyright 2010 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Golden Harvest Bee Ranch was one of the few vendors unable to make it last Sunday due to weather. Seems Whidbey got the gift of snow on Saturday last week. Ah, the glories of the Convergence Zone. (I mean, do you ever find yourself talking to someone from outside the Puget Sound area, and you mention the Convergence Zone, and they have no idea what you are talking about? You can find it on weather maps, but not Google maps!) Well, they are back today, with their wide assortment of local honey flavors, like this lavender honey.

Kale, zucchini & collard chips from House of the Sun. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

I love these kale, zucchini & collard chips from House of the Sun. These guys make all sorts of great raw, vegan foods using local ingredients. But these chips baffle people. How do they make ‘em with cooking ‘em, folks wonder. Simple. They season them, and then they dehydrate them. Genius! Sure, we could do this at home, but it is so much simpler, and most likely tastier, to get some from House of the Sun at Ballard Farmers Market. And guess what? They no longer package them in plastic containers! That’s right. They’ve gone to fully compostable paper bags lined with natural cellophane!

Samish Bay Cheese makes a variety of delicious farmstead cheeses. Photo copyright 2009 by Zachary D. Lyons.

“Blessed are the cheese makers.” Thank you, Monty Python, for that. And thank you, Samish Bay Cheese, for being one of those blessed cheese makers. Samish Bay makes quite a variety of cheeses these days, from mild to sharp, and seasoned with from chives to chocolate. This photos shows just six of them! Are you getting enough cheese?

Crabapple jelly from Deluxe Foods. Photo copyright 2012 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Rebecca tells me she found the crabapples for her Deluxe Foods crabapple jelly right here in the neighborhood, if I’m remembering the tale correctly. See, not a lot of crabapples are grown commercially around here, which is a shame. Cuz crabapples are seriously old school. You know, Deluxe Foods specializes in heirloom jam recipes like this, made with amazing local ingredients. Stop by for a taste today, and give your toast a little more class tomorrow morning!

Hey, there is plenty of local deliciousness waiting for you today at your Ballard Farmers Market. Just check What’s Fresh Now! for a more complete accounting of what is in season right now.

Market shoppers came to Ballard Farmers Market by whatever means they could on December 21, 2008, including toboggans. Photo copyright 2008 by Jon Hegeman.

The talking heads on all the local TV news programs have been whipping us all into a rabid, snow-obsessed frenzy this week. They’ve got their artists working overtime to come up with updated looking “Winter Blast 2012″ graphics, and their IT guys are designing all kinds of new toys for the weather reporters. People are waiting in line at Les Schwabb for hours to get snow tires, and riots are breaking out in Home Depots over shovels and window scrapers. But here in Ballard, we fear not! We are of Viking stock, after all, and we would not have been the first Europeans to land on North American shores by traversing the North Atlantic if we were a bunch of weather wusses. Am I right, people?!? So bring on the snow! Show us your worst! We will don our winter boots, our cross-country skis, our snow shoes and our toboggans, and we will make our weekly pilgrimage to our Ballard Farmers Market, no matter the weather, just like we did in December 2008.

Spicy salad mix from Colinwood Farm. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

And to show winter what we really think of it, we will eat spicy salad mix from Colinwood Farms in the middle of January, because we can! We are hearty folk, and we eat what’s in season, but because we support our local farmers year-round, they have been able to adapt along with us, and that means they have figured out how to feed us salad in January. Boo-yah!

Vodka cream sauce from Tomato Goodness. Photo copyright 2012 by Zachary D. Lyons.

We will eat local tomatoes in the dead of winter, in the form of vodka cream sauce from Tomato Goodness, because they had the good sense to make a whole lot of sauces from Billy’s tomatoes this past summer. Genius! Heck, they’ve even straight-up canned some of those tomatoes whole. And the vodka in their cream sauce is local, too!

Pears from Martin Family Orchards. Photo copyright 2012 by Zachary D. Lyons.

And we can store things, too. Like apples & pears. Martin Family Orchards does just that. And they’ve got plenty of lovely pears like these, as well as apples galore, from this past fall. Ah, fresh, local fruit, all winter long. Now, that impresses me about our species a lot more than the latest smart phone upgrade!

Fresh Washington true cod from Wilson Fish. Photo copyright 2010 by Zachary D. Lyons.

You go to the local Big Box store, and the fish there is from, um, like Thailand or China. What’s up with that? I mean, Ballard is first and foremost Seattle’s maritime community, where its fishing fleet is based. We should be eating local fish, sustainably harvested, as direct from the boat as we can get it. And here at your Ballard Farmers Market, you can do just that. How about some of this lovely fresh Washington true cod from Wilson Fish, for example. I love this stuff tossed in a simple little breading mixture of whole wheat flour and corn meal, some garlic powder, cayenne powder, some nice sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a little bit of baking powder, to help the breading crisp up when I pan-fry it. And to get it to cook evenly and get more breading flavor, I cut it up into bite-sized pieces before breading it. Oh, sweet codlicious satisfaction!

Collard greens from Children's Garden. Photo copyright 2010 by Zachary D. Lyons.

We’ve still got a good selection of hearty greens at your Ballard Farmers Market this week, including these awesome collard greens from Children’s Garden. Did you know that collard greens are one of the most nutrient dense veggies out there? And they are delish! Okay, maybe you are one of those people who has only ever had them cooked to death, Southern-style, and you don’t think you care for them. Our northern collards are different. They are sweeter, and more tender, and they don’t require more than a gentle sauté with some garlic and maybe some salty, smoky pork product until just wilted, but still bright green. They are an amazing side to a nice steak, some sausage, or just starring on their own. And they are at their prime right now. Amazing what a little cold weather will do to bring out their inner beauty!

Dried shelling beans from Stoney Plains. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Our local farmers have been working hard with Washington State University to develop varieties of shelling beans that will thrive in our diverse climate zones around here. Several years ago, you would have been hard pressed to find shelling beans at local farmers markets. Today, farms like Stoney Plains have them year-round, fresh during their harvest season, and dried the rest of the year. Visit them today for some dried cannellini, cranberry or fava beans!

All-Rye bread from Tall Grass Bakery. Photo copyright 2010 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Nothing like some stick-to-your-ribs all-rye bread from Tall Grass Bakery to get you through a cold winter’s day. This stuff is so hearty and delicious, and it’ll stoke your fire for hours. I love this with a healthy shmir of some local, farmstead butter. Hmm, where can I get some of that?

Fresh, local butter from Golden Glen Creamery. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Oh, yeah, right! Golden Glen Creamery has local, farmstead butter, and they’re back today, after several weeks hiatus to do some major maintenance on their processing facility. And they make some incredible butter. It is available in a selection of flavors, and even unsalted, but me, I like it plain old lightly salted. So back off! That one’s mine!

Hey, there is plenty of local deliciousness waiting for you today at your Ballard Farmers Market. Just check What’s Fresh Now! for a more complete accounting of what is in season right now.

Nettle Honey performing at Ballard Farmers Market on January 8, 2012. Photo copyright 2012 by Zachary D. Lyons.

For more information on Nettle Honey, please see their Facebook page.

Chef Christina Kim Choi slinging mushrooms for Foraged & Found Edibles at West Seattle Farmers Market in 2005. Photo copyright 2005 by Zachary D. Lyons.

With sadness, we share the news of the passing of Christina Kim Choi, a talented young chef who spent many days working at Ballard Farmers Market for Foraged & Found Edibles, which she co-founded with Jeremy Faber, as well as as a shopper. She dedicated herself to local, sustainable food. Christina passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 from a brain aneurism at the age of 34. Rest well, Christina.

Washington black truffles from Foraged & Found Edibles. Photo copyright 2010 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Jeremy Faber of Foraged & Found Edibles let me know that he will have his first Washington black truffles of the season today at your Ballard Farmers Market. This rare treat is lovely enjoyed simply shaved over some buttered emmer pappardelle from Pasteria Lucchese. Stop by, pickup some truffles, maybe some chanterelles, pay your respects to Jeremy, then go home tonight, cook up some amazing, local deliciousness with your love ones, give them a hug, and raise a glass to Christina. Because if you love Seattle’s locavoric food scene, whether you realize it or not, Christina’s fingerprints are all over it.

Purple goddess pears from Jerzy Boyz. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

We are sooo glad to be back today at your Ballard Farmers Market today. We’ve missed you woe these three long weeks. You know, it is a bit of a crap shoot for me today to tell you what you’ll find on the tables of the farmers at your Ballard Farmers Market in advance of them arriving this morning, since we haven’t seen them since December 18th. So I am shooting from the hip here. Last I recall, Jerzy Boyz assured me that they would have these gorgeous purple goddess pears for a while. Lets hope “a while” includes today. But if not, I am sure they’ll have plenty of other fruit for you to enjoy!

Beautiful cabbages from Nash's Organic Produce. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

And I am fairly certain Nash’s Organic Produce with have more of these loverly cabbages today. Hey, we’ve got a favor to ask of you. Please help us save the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs from the Governor’s budget axe. This federal-state partnership program leverages $900,000 of federal funds into our state with just a $100,000 state investment. It is also a rare government program that works, and that, in the end, actually pays for itself by generating local economic activity. Please call your state legislator tomorrow or Tuesday at (800) 562-6000 with this simple message: “restore funding for the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs.” To learn more about these program, see yesterday’s blog post on the subject.

Award-winning jersey cow yogurt from Silver Springs Creamery. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

This jersey cow yogurt from Silver Springs Creamery took top honors in its class at the 2010 American Cheese Society Awards. And it’s no wonder. This is some of the most amazing yogurt you will ever taste. It comes with a thick, creamery cap atop it that is as rich tasting as any yogurt you’ve ever encountered. If you’ve been looking for some yogurt with some body, with an attitude, that ain’t no wussy yogurt, this is for you. And best of all, it comes to you directly from your local dairy!

Mustard greens from Full Circle Farm. Photo copyright 2010 by Zachary D. Lyons.

The weather’s been pretty mild since we saw you all last, and so I am going out on a limb and predicting that Full Circle Farm will have some of these mustard greens today. See, we haven’t gotten completely frozen out yet, so hopefully these beauties are still hangin’ in there. But if not, you can count on them to have plenty of other good vege today.

Beautiful bacon from the happy pigs of Skagit River Ranch. Photo copyright 2010 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Mmm. Bacon. Salty, smoky, fatty porkiliciousness for any season, direct from George and Eiko at Skagit River Ranch. But get there early today, cuz just like their eggs, their bacon always sells out. Mmm. Bacon.

Desiree potatoes from Olsen Farms. Photo copyright 2009 by Zachary D. Lyons.

And, of course, Olsen Farms will have all manner of spudtasticness today, with potatoes of every shape, color and size. I am a particular fan of these desiree potatoes. They have a waxy, yellow flesh that is perfect steamed and slathered with lots of good butter. And they stand up well to being thrown in the pot with your corned beef, too.

A sampler pack of canned tuna from Fishing Vessel St. Jude. Photo copyright 2010 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Fishing Vessel St. Jude makes their monthly appearance today with the best albacore tuna you will find anywhere, made all the better because it comes to you right from the boat that caught it off the coast of Washington. This tuna is high in beneficial omega-fatty acids and low in mercury, because they catch it young as it is swimming from the cold waters of their birth in the North Pacific on their way to the tropics to get their party on as young hipsters. Get it as frozen loins, ready to sear or eat raw as sashimi, or get it smoked or dried, and it is the best canned tuna you will ever taste. Just don’t drain off the liquid when you open the can. That’s not water. It’s the flavorful natural juices of the fish!

Gluten-free chocolate decadence cake and chocolate muffins from Deborah's Homemade Pies. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Let us finish with dessert. Mind you, I am a charter member of Dessert First! But most folks eat it after their meal. Go figure. Well, Deborah — the Deborah of Deborah’s Homemade Pies – tells me that she just may have some of these incredible, gluten-free chocolate muffins and chocolate decadence cake today. Seriously, this stuff is amazing. The muffins are moist and delicious, and the cake is rich, dense and, as it should be, decadent. You’ve had a week to get over your holiday gorging. It’s time to treat yourself again!

Just a reminder to please help us save the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs from the Governor’s budget axe. This federal-state partnership program leverages $900,000 of federal funds into our state with just a $100,000 state investment. It is also a rare government program that works, and that, in the end, actually pays for itself by generating local economic activity. Please call your state legislator tomorrow or Tuesday at (800) 562-6000 with this simple message: “restore funding for the Farmers Market Nutrition Programs.” To learn more about these program, see yesterday’s blog post on the subject.

Hey, there is plenty of local deliciousness waiting for you today at your Ballard Farmers Market. Just check What’s Fresh Now! for a more complete accounting of what is in season right now.

Ballard Farmers Market bustles in February 2011. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

PLEASE CALL OLYMPIA 1-800-562-6000 TODAY!

TO PROTECT THE FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAMS

Imagine a program that not only helps feed low-income seniors and families with young children, but also educates them about how to choose a more nutritious diet. How about a program that encourages people to support local farmers by shopping at farmers markets? And what do you think about a federal plan that is designed to insert tax dollars back into local economies? One federal program accomplishes all of these: the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). But it has been eliminated at the state level in the Governor’s budget, and we need your help to restore it. Please, read on…

Federal/State Partnership Smart Use Of Scarce Tax Dollars

“I think this program is the best tax dollars spent. It gets the people to the best quality produce, at the lowest prices, with the knowledge that this is where the money is going,” wrote one farmer in a 2003 Senior FMNP survey conducted by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. “It supports small family farms, and it supports and creates community.”

There are two companion FMNP programs funded by the USDA, which also sets base rules for the programs. They are the WIC (Women, Infants & Children) FMNP and the Senior FMNP. USDA first launched WIC FMNP in 1989. WIC FMNP is designed as a companion to the larger Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, which provides lower income families with young children with vouchers redeemable at approved retailers for certain types groceries defined as nutritional staples by USDA.  The much smaller WIC FMNP gives eligible WIC families checks that can be redeemed at their local farmers market for fresh produce purchased directly from local farmers. USDA launched the Senior FMNP, which helps low-income seniors, in 2000. While the larger WIC program is funded to the tune of billions of dollars nationally each year, the WIC & Senior FMNPs combined amount to less than $50 million nationally each year.

“[The Senior FMNP program] was great,” wrote one senior in response to the survey. “I was not eating nearly enough fruits and veggies because I couldn’t afford them. I feel healthier because of your help.”

In Washington, it works like this: Two state agencies manage the programs, the Department of Health (DOH) for WIC FMNP and the Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) for Senior FMNP.  These agencies take the federal FMNP food dollars, convert them into checks redeemable only for fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers markets, and distribute these checks to their eligible WIC & Senior FMNP clients. WIC & Senior FMNP clients then give these checks to local family farmers at farmers markets in exchange for their produce. The farmer gets the full retail dollar. The FMNP client gets nutritious food direct from local farmers.

Cauliflower in every color from Growing Things Farm. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

The Benefits Are Many

“While the program provides a little extra sales revenue for me,” wrote another farmer, “I particularly like that it helps mothers, children and seniors eat more fruits and vegetables than they might otherwise consume.”

The benefits to FMNP clients, markets and farmers do not stop there.

• Clients get access to fresh produce that is usually only hours from its harvest.
• Clients get exposed to varieties of fruits and vegetables that are simply not available at large grocery stores.
• Clients often get recipes, storage tips and other information about the crops they purchase.
• Farmers often give FMNP clients more produce than the value of their FMNP checks.
• Year-after-year, survey data has shown that more than 90% of FMNP clients report spending more than their FMNP check allotment during their farmers market trips, and they say they will return in the future with cash.
• FMNP also gives farmers and markets an opportunity to educate FMNP clients, many of whom are also enrolled in the federal food stamp program, that they can redeem those at farmers markets, too.

“I thoroughly appreciated the coupons as with diabetes and cancer I am supposed to eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits, which I always have, but on a limited income is very hard to afford at times now that I am no longer able to grow my own garden,” one senior wrote.

“There were lovely peaches at the market,” wrote another senior. “I purchased several boxes and canned them. I have been eating them 2 or 3 times a week. They taste wonderful. I wouldn’t have gotten them without the coupons. Thanks.”

The program benefits farmers as well.

• Farmers get appreciation for what they do.
• Farmers get immediate access to funds, without having to wait for a wholesaler’s check to arrive months later.
• Farmers get to feel like they are giving something back to the communities that support them.
• Farmers get a break from the isolation of the farm to interact with the community and other farmers while at the farmers market.

“I have spoken with many people who make healthier food choices when they shop at the farmers market,” commented one farmer. “People often try new vegetables, and form better eating habits when the checks are specifically for fruits and vegetables. This is an excellent program. It provides opportunities for people to better their diets and the diets of their children. It also supports local agriculture, which is invaluable to the local economy.”

Farmers markets also get a healthy dose of diversity as well as expanded foot traffic and increased sales. And when seniors participate in FMNP, they get a healthy social excursion while experiencing a little bit of their old world, from the markets themselves and from buying the varieties of produce they remember from their youths, but that they cannot find in grocery stores.

“I got to have more fresh fruit and vegetables then if I bought them from my monthly [social security] checks, and … I got out and met some very nice people and enjoyed the trip,” commented one senior surveyed. “…I’m unable to walk. I use an Electric power chair, so I don’t get out as much as I used too, so I really enjoyed going to the Farmers Market”

“This program was great for our seniors, and many of the other community members remarked on the positive values it has,” wrote one market manager. “It was also great for the vendors to hear the senior life experiences. Many of our seniors have had farming experiences in their past.”

Heirloom tomatoes from Jerzy Boyz. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

FMNP By The Numbers

While the FMNP is a simple concept, it is complicated on paper, and it has been a constant struggle to keep it funded. In 2011, WIC FMNP received only $19.96 million in federal funds to cover the entire U.S., with Senior FMNP funded at $20.6 million. In 2011, Washington State received $894,000 of those federal funds to support the WIC & Senior FMNPs. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) contributed another $320,000. Yet this tiny government program provided benefits to about 76,000 WIC clients, and supported some 887 participating farms at 130 farmers markets in 38 counties statewide.

“A government program that works!!” one farmer summed up nicely. “Let’s expand it!”

A berry mix from Jessie's Berries. Photo copyright 2009 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Here’s The Problem

Given our current state budget crisis, advocates have already gone along with a $220,000, or almost 70%, cut in DOH funding for the FMNPs in last year’s budget, leaving just $100,000 in the budget from state coffers for the programs. We understand that everyone must accept some cuts. But state bureaucrats and legislators are considering cutting the remaining $100,000 from the state budget. This would be, quite simply, penny wise and pound foolish! You see, that remaining $100,000 in state funding is necessary in order to help pay for the state’s share administrative costs as required by USDA, and without it, Washington would release the $900,000 in federal funds. And given competition for scarce federal funds, Washington’s allotment would quickly be reallocated to another state, perhaps never to be made available to Washington again in the future, even if the state refunded its share of the program at a later date.

Who within the sound of my keyboard would, in their right minds, turn down an investment opportunity guaranteed to pay off a minimum 900% return, especially in this economy? Because that is exactly what state legislators would be doing here. And that does not even begin to take into account the fact that, according to recent studies, for every $100 spent at a farmers market, $62 is reinvested locally, and $99 stays in the state – money that continues to re-circulate, and thus get re-taxed, bringing more revenue in state coffers. Not to mention how many jobs it creates – as many as 600 farm jobs alone, by some measures.

Some in government think this program so small that no one will miss it. They are wrong. 76,000 Washington low-income residents would miss it.  887 Washington farms would miss it.  130 Washington farmers markets would miss it. And anyone who misses good, effective government spending will miss it.  Some 150 farms, markets, anti-hunger, social justice and faith organizations, and local businesses and community leaders have already signed onto a letter (download PDF) requesting that this great program be reinstated in the state budget. But we need your help, too. Every call, every letter and every email counts. Copy this article across the state. Blast it on your Facebook page, your Twitter feeds, your blogs and websites. Support a government program that, for a tiny investment in state funds, actually makes money for our state! In a word, duh!

PLEASE CALL OLYMPIA 1-800-562-6000 TODAY!

TO PROTECT THE FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAMS

By Zachary D. Lyons, Communications Director, Seattle Farmers Market Association

Ballard Farmers Market on a beautiful summer's day! Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Happy 2012 to our Ballard Farmers Market extended family! We are taking another day off today (Sunday) so our farmers, fishers, ranchers, food artisans, artists, buskers and market staff can enjoy a relaxing New Year’s Day with our friends and families, sleeping off last night, watching endless football games, or maybe just taking a nice, long walk on what is shaping up to be a nice day.

Thank you for your continued support for all things local, delicious and beautiful in 2011. Together, we have built the biggest, bestest, most award-winning farmers market in Washington, and around it has grown an extraordinary neighborhood of amazing, locally-owned, family businesses, from restaurants to bars to bakeries to clothiers to specialty shops to kitchen stores, and on and on and on. Ballard is a boomtown in a shaky economic world, and that’s because folks around here understand that when you make the effort to buy local and support local businesses, it pays dividends many times over, creating local jobs and vibrant communities. Locally spent dollars recirculate through the community many more times than one spent with an out-of-state chain store, and spend that dollar on something locally produced and the effect increases exponentially. And every time that dollar recirculates, it gets taxed again, meaning it helps with our government budget crisis. Pretty cool, eh? So please make your first resolution of the new year be that you will try your hardest to buy as much local stuff from local folks as possible from here on out.

Now, a New Year’s thought… have you noticed that, by-and-large, the whole planet stops to party in peace on New Year’s? So, I propose that we change our calendars. Why not make every year only one day long? That way, every day is New Year’s Day, and every night is New Year’s Eve, and the whole world will be too busy partying peacefully all the time to fight with each other. Who’s with me?!?

Okay, enjoy going out for noodles for long life in Chinatown or brunch at Bastille (yes, they’re open) today, and we will see you right back here on Ballard Avenue for your Ballard Farmers Market on Sunday, January 8th!

Smoked holiday hams from Olsen Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Holy holiday hams, Batman! Yup, Olsen Farms has a slew of freshly smoked hams for your holiday table. Be it for Solstice, Christmas, Festivus, Zappadan, Kwanzaa, or Chanukah… okay, maybe not Chanukah… but these beauties are awesome, and you can tell your guests it came straight from the farm! Yeah, they took a little longer to get here this year, but that’s okay, right? I mean, you know why it takes so long to smoke a ham, don’t you? Cuz it’s hard to keep them lit! (Can I get a rimshot?)

Julianna from Ascents Candles. Photo copyright 2009 by Zachary D. Lyons.

We know you are scrambling to get all your holiday shopping done now, and there is no place better than your Ballard Farmers Market for that. Lotsa local loveliness and deliciousness to be had. Like these fragrant candles from Ascents Candles. They are made using the finest essential oils and oils that do not produce toxic smoke in your home. Of course, you can also get beautiful odorless candles, too, for your table during your holiday feasts, so the scent doesn’t interfere with your ability to taste everything. And Julianna has got some gift boxes of votives and some cool new sizes of candles this year.

"Mistlefaux" from Alm Hill Gardens. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Hey kids, it’s that holiday favorite, mistlefaux, from Alm Hill Gardens. Since the real stuff doesn’t grow around here, we’ve got the next best thing! BTW, now’s as good a time as any to remind you that we will be taking a holiday break for the next two weeks, since both Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Sundays this year. The staff and vendors of your Ballard Farmers Market will be spending those days with friends and family, or eating Chinese and going to the movies, but we’ll be right back here on Sunday, January 8th. So remember to stock up on food stuffs from your favorite farmers today!

Holiday breads from Tall Grass Bakery. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

How about some sweet holiday breads from Tall Grass Bakery? Some almond bread and stollen will brighten up any holiday feast. Of course, they’ll have their full line of baked deliciousness today, too, so stock up for the holiday break. It freezes great!

A pear gift box from Collins Family Orchards. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Everyone is getting in the holiday marketing spirit around your Ballard Farmers Market. Even those crazy cats at Collins Family Orchards. They’ve rolled out several different gift boxes, like this one full of pears. If you’re gonna give someone a box of fruit, shouldn’t you at least make it truly special by including the name of the farm that grew it? Otherwise, it is just another box of fruit!

Japanese knotweed honey from Tahuya River Apiaries. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

It was kind of an off year for the bees this year, since the snow level was so low so late into spring. We got to learn from Tahuya River Apiaries this year that honey, too, is seasonal. But one flower in abundance for the bees to pollinate in the Olympic Mountains was Japanese knotweed, and the result is this beautiful, dark wild Japanese knotweed honey from Tahuya. Now, wouldn’t that be a sweet stocking stuffer! Think of the charoset! And hey, it’ll boost your immune system, too!

Smoked whole sides of white king salmon from Wilson Fish. Photo copyright 2010 by Zachary D. Lyons.

You know why it takes so long to smoke a salmon? Wait, have you heard this one before? Well, in any case, Wilson Fish has smoked whole sides of king salmon they caught off the coast of Washington this past summer. Blow the roof off of your New Year’s Eve party when you bring a platter covered with one of these!

Lizzie from Lyall Farms. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

For several years now, we’ve all had the pleasure of working with Lizzie from Lyall Farms. She has kept us in apples and sweet potatoes and then some, always with a blinding smile on her face. But alas, while Lyall Farms will be back with us come January 8th, Lizzie will not. She is heading out on a major life adventure to a great city that straddles two continents, half a world away. For our sake, we hope to see her return someday off in the future, but for now, we wish Lizzie happy, safe journeys fertile with years of grand stories. Stop by Lyall Farms today, load up on sweet potatoes for the holidays, and wish Lizzie well. Hey Lizzie, send us a post card, eh?

Terry from Quilceda Fars. Photo copyright 2009 by Zachary D. Lyons.

We also bid a fond adieu to Terry Whetham and Quilceda Farm. Terry has been bringing us delicious goat meat for years, teaching us of its nutritional value, giving us recipes, and helping us to understand why it is the most commonly eaten meat on earth. Well, Terry has decided to pack it in. No kidding. (Uh, sorry.) Yes, Terry is retiring. He’s heading off to greener pastures. (Again, my apologies.) Actually, I think he’d expect nothing less than a good razzing sendoff from me. Perhaps what I will miss about Terry the most is how much good-humored grief he would give me every week. Just ask any of the vendors around him. They will testify to the back-and-forth we had. So stop by with a gold watch for Terry, and make one last purchase from him. After all, he’s got your goat!

Jerry Pipitone from Pipitone Farms out standing in his field. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Another of the true characters of the farmers market world is Jerry Pipitone of Pipitone Farms, a.k.a., the Rock Island Brand. For more than 30 years, Jerry has cranked out some of the finest apricots, peaches and Italian prunes, as well as garlic, shallots, jams, dried herbs, heirloom Italian tomatoes and more. He has been a great leader in both the farmers market and organic farming communities, and he has been quite simply a hoot to have around, always with a bad joke or a crusty story. Well, Jerry, too, is retiring. I had the pleasure of visiting him at his farm on Rock Island, just down river from Wenatchee, this past spring, where I captured this photo of him out standing in his field. I look forward to visiting him again out there, in retirement, and maybe taking in a game of bocce ball with him.

And as we honor these wonderful folks as they leave us for their next stages of life, let us take a moment to remember two lovely ladies who graced us with their musical talents many times over the years here at your Ballard Farmers Market — Arwen and Teresa Morgan. Arwen and Teresa (Arwen’s mother) played together in their family’s band, The Cutters, but they also individually busked at the Ballard Farmers Market, Arwen playing fiddle, and Teresa playing hammer dulcimer. Sadly, we lost both of these lovely, talented women in 2011 — Arwen in July and Teresa in late November. You can learn more about both women, and share your own thoughts via this Facebook page, which includes information on a memorial service being held this evening for Teresa in Magnolia.

Brunching on the Garden Patio at Bastille. Photo copyright 2009 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Finally, let us look back with fondness on what has been, perhaps remarkably, a remarkable year here at your Ballard Farmers Market, and for Ballard in general. As the Market keeps getting bigger and better, Ballard itself continues to grow in international prominence as a food mecca, and just generally a cool place to be. Your Ballard Farmers Market won “Best Farmers Market” again from both the Seattle Weekly and Seattle Magazine, and we came in a respectable #8 in the America’s Favorite Farmers Market contest, garnering the most votes of any market on the West Coast. And we got to watch our influence continue to spread over Ballard with the opening of seemingly countless new eateries, bars and food related businesses. Remember 10 years ago, when we first moved the Market to Ballard Avenue? There were tumbleweeds blowing down the street on Sundays. Now, during the worst economy in 80 years, Ballard is booming, and all the celebrated chefs of Seattle want to open up shop here. National and international magazines cannot mention Seattle without mentioning Ballard. And the beauty of it is that we’ve built a robust local economy here in Ballard around small, local businesses. Heck, our friends and neighbors at Bastille built their restaurant around the Market, and they built their menu around its farmers. Thank you, Ballard, for being so kind to us, for supporting our vendors, and for embracing the spirit of local upon which this Market stands. And here’s to a great 2012!

Hey, there is plenty of local deliciousness waiting for you today at your Ballard Farmers Market. Just check What’s Fresh Now! for a more complete accounting of what is in season right now.

Clive Barry performing at Ballard Farmers Market on December 11, 2011. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Red Russian kale from One Leaf Farm. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

One Leaf Farm is King County’s newest farm, launching this past spring on a small patch of fertile earth in Carnation, right across the Snoqualmie River from Full Circle Farm. And these kids have been hitting it out of the park from Jump Street. We had the pleasure of their presence all summer at our Interbay and Madrona farmers markets. And today, we welcome them to your Ballard Farmers Market. Today they have Brussels sprouts, collard greens, Viking purple potatoes, Japanese wax turnips, daikon radishes, arugula, some lovely cabbages and winter squash, this beautiful kale (above) and more! So please give them a big old Ballard welcome, won’t you? And remember, this year, your Ballard Farmers Market will not be open on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day, which both fall on Sunday. So start stocking up your pantry and fridge now!

Cape Cleare Fishery. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Cape Cleare Fishery returns today with their pedal-powered operation. Yes, these are the folks who ride their bikes from Port Townsend with trailers filled with all manner of fishliciousness. They’ve got flash frozen and smoked wild Alaskan salmon they caught this past summer, as well as usually a few other surprises, from canned tuna to frozen ling cod.

Pecan pie from Deborah's Homemade Pies. Photo copyright 2009 by Zachary D. Lyons.

I’ve said it before, and I will say it again: Deborah’s Homemade Pies are as good as any pies on the planet. Okay, maybe I’ve never said it quite that way before, but I’m saying it that way now. Her crusts are the stuff of the dreams of many a pastry chef, and she fills those crusts with all manner of awesomeness. Indeed, I told Deborah I would post a photo of one of her apple pies today, but I couldn’t find the photo. I am guessing I must have eaten it. Mind you, I’ve always thought my dad’s apple pies were unrivaled. Heck, in most cases, I won’t even bother trying another apple pie. They just all disappoint me. See, my dad grew up working apple orchards in Upstate New York and making pies with my grandmother. Well, Deborah’s apple pie can honestly go toe-to-toe with those of my dad, and I say this with the full confidence that my dad will never read this post, so please, don’t tell him. Of course, this pecan pie (above) is equally outrageous. And while I know you really want to slave away in the kitchen the entire holiday season, impressing family and friends with all the deliciousness you can crank out using the amazing ingredients you source at your Ballard Farmers Market, let’s face it. There’s gonna be that one party you go to, that one dinner you throw, that one office party for which you just say to yourself, “If I have to cook one more thing!” Well, Deborah’s got your back. And hey, if you just wanna be really lazy, use her pies for every occasion and lie that you made them!

Glass tumblers from Wileyware. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

I don’t know how Wileyware gets these glass tumblers and their other glassware to look so cool. I mean, just look at the brilliant colors in these glasses. There’s no special lighting, no trick photography, no more editing than the simple stuff I normally do for cabbage and lettuce photos. They really look like this. Now, I’ve asked them how they pull this off, and I’ve been told that they could tell me, but then they’d have to kill me. So I’ll just live in blissful ignorance, enjoying the pretty colors.

Holiday wreath from Children's Garden. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

We continue our hit parade of holiday wreathes this week with this beautiful entry from Children’s Garden. I just love how each farmer puts their own individual touch on their wreathes each year. Heck, it is one of the few times of year they get to really show off their artistic sides, you know? Children’s has some wonderful dried flower bouquets right now, too. So brighten up your home for the holidays, eh?

Holiday stölen from Grateful Bread Baking. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

This is stollen. Says Wikipedia, “A stollen is a loaf-shaped cake containing dried fruit, and covered with sugar, powdered sugar or icing sugar. The cake is usually made with chopped candied fruit and/or dried fruit, nuts and spices. Stollen is a traditional German cake, usually eaten during the Christmas season.” Let’s just say, it’s a rare holiday treat, sweet, chewy and delicious, and Grateful Bread Baking has it now, by the loaf or the slice.

Pink lady apples from Collins Family Orchards. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

I heart pink lady apples, and Collins Family Orchards has lots and lots of them this time of year. They are sweet and crunchy, and they will keep the doctor away, make teacher happy, and generally bring joy and happiness into the world. And why not? They’re pink ladies, after all.

Hazelnuts from Alm Hill Gardens. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Whether you call them hazelnuts or filberts does not matter. They are one of the great nuts, and they are one of the few nuts that grow in abundance around here. Wow, just talking about them has got my mouth watering, my sensory memories active and my brain puzzling out where I stored that nutcracker. Swing by Alm Hill Gardens today, and get you a bag of these beauties, and celebrate our local nut.

Wine from Lopez Island Vineyards. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Holidaze require wine. Lots of wine. It doesn’t matter if you’re celebrating with family and friends or trying to drown out an irritating child who’s whining that they didn’t get that thing that the TV has been telling them they must have, wine will make everything seem a little better. Especially when it is direct from the local winemaker, in a great selection of award-winning varieties. And that is exactly what you’ll find from Lopez Island Vineyards: great, local, award-winning wines.

Red sunchokes from Stoney Plains. Photo copyright 2011 by Zachary D. Lyons.

Sunchokes, like these red sunchokes from Stoney Plains, are commonly referred to as Jerusalem artichokes. But the name “sunchoke” more accurately captures what they are — the edible tuberous root of a member of the sunflower family. Sunchokes are native to North America, and the earliest European settlers and explorers learned from local tribes of them as a valuable food source. They are plenty versatile. They make for great soups, purees, are wonderful roasted, work as a substitute of potatoes as home fries and many other applications, and so much more. If you are unfamiliar with them, why not give them a try this winter, and get down with your bad colonial pilgrim self! And just another reminder Christmas Day and New Year’s Day both fall on Sundays this year, and that we’ll be spending those days celebrating with our loved ones. It rare, but we’ll be taking those two days off. So stock up now, and next week, for our two-week hiatus, and we’ll be back, of course, on January 8th!

Hey, there is plenty of local deliciousness waiting for you today at your Ballard Farmers Market. Just check What’s Fresh Now! for a more complete accounting of what is in season right now.