A Farmers Market for the Localvores

I procrastinated too long to signup for a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) this year. I really wanted to do it. I had mentally prepared myself for the menu planning that this would entail and the culinary creativity it might require to get my boys on board with this. Too long we’ve opted for what was quick and readily available. I searched online for a share and soon found out that apparently there were many other people thinking the way I was (who were also a bit quicker to act). It seemed like I had missed my shot. You can imagine how my ears perked up when I heard that Astoria was having it’s own farmers market. Here was a chance to make good on my resolution! And in a way that would require less planning then receiving a weekly mystery box full of fresh veggies from a CSA.

I made my first trip to the River People Farmers Market this evening. The market has made it’s home in the old Lovvolds parking lot on 13th & Duane in the heart of downtown Astoria. Blue Scorcher Bakery and Skipanon Seafood are a but a few of the local noteables participating. Flowers, vegetable plants, fruits, seafood, cheeses and more can be found here. This market is smaller than the Astoria Sunday Market but possibly more relevant to many locals. Their goals may seem lofty to some in this fast-paced world – they aim to increase consumption of fresh whole foods and they intend to make it affordable to all. “Only fresh, farm grown produce and flowers, farm raised eggs, farm grown plant starts, locally caught fish, and producer made value-added or ready-to-consume food products will be sold”. I admire these goals as a working mom pressed for time, who struggles mightily to stay away from “microwave and serve” processed foods and questionable produce. I highly recommend you check it out for yourself. I left with the most beautiful berries from A&B Farms tonight and the intent to change my grocery shopping routine for the rest of the summer. The market runs through September and is open Thursdays 3-7pm. Enjoy! - Jen Hillard, Broker

Contact Jen at 503.791.3078 | Email Jen