Fresh & Local

At CCFM we believe that farmers markets are the best place for everyone in our community to learn about local food. That’s why we offer MarketMatch, an incentive program to encourage people to use their SNAP/EBT cards (Food Stamps) at farmers markets. During MarketMatch season, we match up to $20 of SNAP purchases per market visit with wooden tokens, increasing access to fresh local produce for vulnerable populations while putting more money in the pockets of our small-scale local farmers and food producers. Our winter MarketMatch campaign is currently underway and will continue on through March as funding lasts. This program is made possible with the generous support of Louisiana Healthcare Connections. To find out more about MarketMatch or some of our other incentive programs, click here.

Pick of the Week:
Mardi Gras Marketeers Activity

Carnival time is here, and we’re starting to get in the spirit here at CCFM. This Saturday we’ll be having a Mardi Gras themed Marketeer activity! We’ll have blank Mardi Gras masks ready for kids, with plenty of crayons, markers, glitter, and other fun decorations for children to express themselves with, and volunteers to supervise the decorating while parents shop. Be sure to come on out and bring the kids for a fun filled Saturday morning!

Market Haiku

Two Saturdays ago local farmer and tamale extraordinaire Isabel Mendez was under the weather and not able to make market. As is made apparent by the market haikus written that day, her presence was sorely missed:

‘Hungry for breakfast
Where have the tamales gone?
A scone will suffice’ – written by Glynnis

‘Where are tamales?
Family needs weekly fix
Satsumas instead’ – written by Scott Cooper

Tuesday’s Green Plate Special

We’re pleased to welcome Breads on Oak back to market as our GPS vendors for the month of February! Open since June of 2012, Breads On Oak focuses on serving high quality artisanal breads made to “taste the way real bread used to taste like.” They also serve up an impressive list of vegan and gluten-free muffins, cakes, and other pastries, as well as soups and sandwiches from their 8640 Oak St. location. We can’t wait to see what they serve up at market. Come by this Tuesday to check it out for yourself!

Recipe of the Week

Looking for a new way to prepare that fish or pork you’ve been picking up from market? Try this Kumquat, Satsuma and Dill Beurre Blanc recipe from our Wednesday and Saturday vendors, French Pickl’er, to bring a new seasonal flavor to your protein!