Projo Fitness Blog

Hundreds of "localvores," peole who love local foods, packed a long corridor at Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket today for the debut of the winter indoor farmers market.

Localvores know that local food is fresher, and, therefore, more nutritious and flavorful. Food grown locally has a much smaller carbon footprint than food shipped across the country or the ocean.

Local farmers who can earn a living growing food offer security to the region.

Their land is preserved against development.

Today's farmers market felt like Pike Place in Seattle or Haymarket in Boston during its glory days. The energy in the room was amazing.

Between 24 and 30 vendors sold a variety of food grown or made in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. One woman sold the most delicious oranges we have ever tasted, grown in her parents' grove in Florida.

More growers and producers are expected next week, said Noah Fulmer, executive director of Farm Fresh Rhode Island, organizer of the market..

Local farmers sold root vegetables, tubers, and greens that they are still growing beneath row covers and hoop houses. Wishing Stone Farm in Little Compton offered the largest selection of vegetables, eggs, and honey.

Casey Farm in Saunderstown sold poultry and grass-fed beef.

Perry Raso, a shellfish farner who owns Matunuck Oyster Farm on Potter Pond, offered oysters, little necks and steamers.

Louella Hill of Narragansett Creamery in Olneyville saw non-stop traffic and sales of nine varieties of cheese she makes, including Obama Blue. It's smooth and surprising.

Students from Johnson & Wales demonstrated ways to cook seasonal foods.

Other vendors sold wreaths, herbal cosmetics, pastry, locally roasted coffee, soap, bread and more.

The farmers market will be open Saturdays from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. in Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main St., Pawtucket, just over the Providence line.

 Tags  farmers markets local food nutrition

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