LFM

    

     As I have mentioned previously, the Lansdale Farmers' Market continues to be a work in progress.  It was only a concept in 2008 but the idea germinated and took root and in 2009 with the assistance of The Food Trust locally produced vegetables and produce first appeared on a small stretch of Railroad Avenue between Main and Broad Streets.  And interest continues to grow with every passing year.  Parking is ample and convenient at the adjacent Century Plaza lot, which no doubt helps attendance.

     This eager effort on the part of vendors and community residents follows the nationwide trend to provide locavores with items having a small carbon footprint.  In Lansdale the market is open each Saturday from May into November.  Some markets across the country are even open year round, even in cooler climates like our own.  But a word of caution here.  Don't be confused by markets that just pretend to be farmers' markets but are in reality not providing local food at reasonable prices.  One example would be the Chestnut Hill Farmers' Market which last week was selling bananas at 75 cents a pound!  They are neither local nor are they reasonably priced.

      While the Lansdale Farmers' Market is small by comparison to some of the more established ones, each year more vendors are joining in to showcase their products.  Along with produce grown in season, there is an ever expanding selection of things like bread and pastries, pickles, guacamole, organic meat, pound cake, tamales, wine,  granola, herbs, plants, soap and mushrooms.

     While it doesn't take long to wander past the dozen or so booths, it does provide an opportunity to catch up with neighbors and friends and is quickly becoming a social gathering place as well as a market.  The concept is catching on.  And that's a good thing.