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October 21 - 27, 2016
Our sincere thanks to everyone who participated in this year's FRESHFARM Feast. From the farmers and producers who provided the food and drink, to the chefs who crafted fresh, local, ingredients into a delicious family-style meal, to all the attendees who joined us for a wonderful evening celebrating the Mid-Atlantic foodshed--thank you! We are deeply grateful for your support, and are pleased to announce that we beat our fundraising goal, raising over $300,000. If you weren't able to join us, check out #thefeastdc on Instagram to see some highlights from the night! Next week we'll have pictures posted on Facebook and our website.

FOOD DAY

Food Day is a national event, taking place every October 24, that brings Americans together to celebrate and enjoy real food and to push for improved food policies. This year's Food Day happens on Monday; consider taking part in the celebration by getting involved with one of the following local food-focused non-profit organizations:

Arcadia is dedicated to creating a more equitable and sustainable local food system in the Washington, DC area. Based on the historic grounds of Woodlawn Estate in Alexandria, Virginia, Arcadia manages four distinct program areas (Arcadia Farm, Mobile Market, Food Hub, and Farm to School Program) that address a specific need in the community, while collectively engaging consumers, farmers, schools, and institutions.

The Capital Area Food Bank is the largest organization in the Washington metro area working to solve hunger and its companion problems: chronic under-nutrition, heart disease, and obesity. By partnering with 444 community organizations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as delivering food directly into hard-to-reach areas, CAFB is helping 540,000 people each year get access to good, healthy food. That’s 12% of our region’s mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, and grandparents.

City Blossoms is a non-profit dedicated to fostering healthy communities by developing creative, kid-driven green spaces. Washington, DC is their home base where they innovate new resources, approaches, and techniques. Applying their unique brand of gardens, science, art, healthy living, and community building, they "blossom" in neighborhoods where kids, their families, and neighbors may not otherwise have access to green spaces.

Crossroads Community Food Network bolsters local food systems through programs that support and unite those who grow, make, and eat fresh, healthy food. At the heart of this integrated network of food growers, makers, and consumers is Crossroads Farmers Market, in Maryland’s Takoma/Langley Crossroads.

DC Greens uses the power of partnerships to support food education, food access, and food policy in the nation’s capital. By leveraging existing infrastructure, resources, and talent, and doing the work of collaboration, they are building a healthy food system that can be a model for the nation. DC Greens administers the Produce Plus program at farmers markets, which gives $10 in farmers market vouchers to shoppers on government assistance.

Dreaming Out Loud creates economic opportunities for the DC metro region’s marginalized community members through building a healthy, equitable food system. They work toward a world in which individuals and communities are empowered to “dream out loud,” meaning they have the space to think, to imagine, and to will their innermost dreams into vibrant reality. They envision resilient communities with equitable economic opportunity, family-supporting wages, high quality education for all, and a healthy environment.

We hope you'll use this year's Food Day as an opportunity to learn more about the many great organizations in our region working toward a stronger, healthier, more equitable food system!

Program Update: FoodPrints Curriculum


One of the hallmarks of the FRESHFARM FoodPrints program is how our lessons are aligned with what teachers and students are doing in their classrooms and the standards-based learning required and tested by DCPS. In our lesson, "Making scientific observations in the garden," students practice creating observational drawings that document in detail the lines and shapes of the parts of plants. Students come away with a greater appreciation of the plants that grow the food we eat, and a stronger ability to examine closely the natural world around them. Read more in the FoodPrints blog post, Scientific observations in the garden.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK


FRESHFARM Herb Salsa Verde 

This garlicky, vibrant sauce, a mash up between Italian salsa verde and Argentine chimichurri, is a great way to use the fresh herbs you'll find at markets in the fall. We love it with grilled steak and vegetables, seared fish or tofu, on top of scrambled eggs, folded into potato salad, or added to a simple vinaigrette. Get the recipe.

INSTAGRAM OF THE WEEK

 
One of our favorite parts of the Feast is getting to see our farmers all dressed up. We love this group shot of the crew from @thefarmatsunnyside! Check out more photos from the night at #thefeastdc on Instagram. Next week we'll have pictures posted on Facebook and our website.

EVENTS AT MARKET
WEEK OF OCTOBER 21 - 27

Markets are open rain or shine! Full schedule of markets is below.

 

 

SATURDAY


Silver Spring

Jordan Saglio of Not Your Average Joe's gives a chef demo at 11am.  
 

SUNDAY


Dupont Circle

Farmer Casey Gustowarow of The Farm at Sunnyside gives a chef demo of roasted peppers at 11am.


TUESDAY

 

CityCenterDC 

This is the final market of the season. Scott Kroener of Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House gives a chef demo at 12pm. New producer Amalthea Ridge pops up at market! They will be selling goat milk products including soaps and lotion.


THURSDAY

 

White House

DC Department of Transportation is tabling.


Penn Quarter

Linsday Taylor of the Grand Hyatt Washington gives a chef demo at 4pm.
 

Ballston 

This is the final market of the season. Join us for one last "Mega Market" with live music and a beer and wine garden!

MARKET PICKS: Fall Favorites

Brussels Sprouts

New Morning Farm, Richfield Farm, Spring Valley Farm & Orchard, Twin Springs Fruit Farm

All Markets
We're not going to lie: the first sighting of Brussels sprouts at market sends the entire FRESHFARM staff into a state of ecstasy. We love them sautéed in this fabulous pasta or raw in this refreshing salad, or simply roasted with olive oil and salt and pepper until sweet and slightly caramelized. Bonus: Brussels sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable, high in vitamins A and C and a good source of iron. 

Chestnuts

Black Rock Orchard, Country Pleasures Farm, Kuhn Orchards, Quaker Valley Orchards

All Markets
Fresh chestnuts, once peeled of their hard outer shell and bitter skin, reveal a sweet and starchy flesh which can be roasted, boiled, pureed, and preserved. Unlike other nuts, nutrient-dense chestnuts are low in fat, rich in carbohydrates, and a good source of vitamin C. If you're already planning your Thanksgiving menu, consider making a chestnut stuffing.

Celery

The Farm at Sunnyside, Garner's Produce, New Morning Farm, Twin Springs Fruit Farm

Dupont Circle, Penn Quarter
Farmers market celery is very different than the celery you get in the supermarket, with a much more intense celery flavor. You can use it almost the way you would use herbs as flavoring--most recipes will only require about half of what is called for! Celery is delicious raw, cooked into soups and stews, or used as a cocktail garnish. This celery soup or celery and fennel salad would be a great appetizer for any fall meal.

WHAT'S IN SEASON

 

apples, apple cider, beets, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, celery root, chard, chestnuts, collards, cress, eggplant, flowers, garlic, ginger, gourds, herbs, hot peppers, Jerusalem artichokes, kale, kiwi berries, kohlrabi, lettuce, onions, pears, persimmons, potatoes, pumpkins, radishes, salad greens, shallots, shelling beans, spinach, sweet potatoes, turmeric, turnips, winter squash. For a full seasonality calendar, click here.
 

On Its Way In

celery, Brussels sprouts
 

On Its Way Out

tomatoes, summer squash, zucchini

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Amalthea Ridge Is Hiring

Amalthea Ridge, our newest producer of goat's milk products, is hiring market staff for the H Street NE market. Email homestead@amalthearidge.com to apply.
 

Capital Area Food Bank Empty Bowls Event | Thursday, October 27

The Prince George's County community is coming together to feed our neighbors struggling with hunger. Tickets are on sale for you to join us at the Capital Area Food Bank’s Empty Bowls lunch. Taste unlimited soups from local restaurants, and choose your favorite handcrafted bowl made by a local artist to take home. Your $35 ticket provides 87 meals to neighbors who need our help! Buy your ticket today.
 

Mount Vernon Triangle CID Fall Fun Day | Saturday, October 29

From adorable mini-monsters to the most creative dog costumes in town, the plaza at 5th & K Street NW in Mount Vernon Triangle will be all about Halloween on Saturday, October 29 from 10am to 1pm for the annual Mount Vernon Triangle Fall Fun Day. The Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District welcomes families and their four-legged friends for a free event marking the final day of the MVT FRESHFARM Farm Stand. Free activities include mini pumpkin painting, face painting, apple cider, free popcorn courtesy of 5th Street Ace Hardware, a dog costume parade on the red carpet with prizes for the top three costumes and gifts for every participant, a pumpkin decorating contest starring hand-crafted creative pumpkins from Mount Vernon Triangle businesses, and plenty of sweet treats for everyone! Click for more information.
 

Mountain View Farm's 6th Annual Barter Fair | Sunday, October 30

Bring homemade food items for barter including but not limited to: canned, baked, preserved, fermented, frozen, and fresh food; meats, dairy, and veggies; even hand-crafted wine and beer! There are no specific bartering rules; the agreement is between the people who want to trade. Set-up will be at 2pm with bartering starting at 3pm. Potluck to follow. Live music! $5 donation requested. Located at Mountain View Farm at the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship in Purcellville, VA. Email shawna_dewitt@yahoo.com or call 571.271.2736 for more info.


Slow Food DC's Snail of Approval Nominations | Deadline October 31

Help Slow Food DC recognize and celebrate eateries and artisans contributing good, clean, and fair food to our community! Anyone can nominate a food or beverage provider serving the National Capital Region who contributes to the quality, authenticity, and/or sustainability of our food supply. Nominations can be submitted to the Snail of Approval Committee using a Snail of Approval nomination form from now until Monday, October 31. The Snail of Approval Committee will then select up to 20 award recipients. To see a list of previous Snail winners and to submit a nomination, visit Slow Food DC’s website

IN THE NEWS


Farmers, Antitrust Activists Are Worried That Big Ag Is Only Getting Bigger
-The Salt

Building Healthy Appetites with FoodPrints
-EdibleDC

Organic pioneer Nora Pouillon plans to retire, sell her eponymous restaurant
-The Washington Post

CURRENT MARKET SCHEDULE

TUESDAY
CityCenterDC, 11am-2pm
Crystal City, 3-7pm


WEDNESDAY
Foggy Bottom, 3-7pm
Watkins, 4-8pm


THURSDAY
White House, 11am-2pm
Penn Quarter, 3-7pm
Ballston, 3-7pm
SATURDAY
Silver Spring
Apr-Dec: 9am-1pm
Jan-Mar: 10am-1pm
H Street NE, 9am-12:30pm
Mt. Vernon Triangle
10am-1pm
SUNDAY
Dupont Circle
Apr-Dec: 8:30am-1:30pm
Jan-Mar: 10am-1pm
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