I’ve been teased quite often for my insistence that Wisconsinites really can “eat locally.”
But your growing season is so short…
What could possibly grow in Wisconsin in February?
The taunting, especially from out-of-state friends, seems to never end. But, the idea that there are no fresh green vegetables or local products available in Wisconsin during the winter is a myth.
Wisconsin is home to countless farmers, many of whom use innovative methods to grow (and store) vegetables and fruits all year round. Apples, greens, turnips, celeriac, beets, potatoes, carrots and onions represent just a few of the favorites local farmers have to offer during the winter months. In addition to fruits and vegetables, there are also a multitude of local farms which produce milk, dairy products, and meats.
I’ve also been accused of being “trendy.”
The fact is, despite its growing popularity, eating locally is nothing new. For centuries, Wisconsin immigrants have been preserving the harvest and sourcing ingredients found close to home. And, despite the frequent assumption that going local is only for people with time and money to spare, cooking your own meals and putting away food for winter used to be considered thrifty things to do. Even today, the benefits of eating locally are many. Supporting local farms and artisans keeps money in the state, thereby supporting a thriving local economy. In addition, when you remove the middle-man and the need for cross-country transport, local produce ends up in consumers’ hands fresh and packed with vitamins and phyto-nutrients.
Milwaukee County started its own winter farmer’s market last fall, prompted in part by groups like the Wisconsin Apple Growers Association, which were looking for ways to assist local growers in marketing their
products after the traditional season ended. The market, which featured produce and products from local farms and Wisconsin artisans on Saturday mornings from November through April, was a resounding success. This year, market goers will experience an even larger market with 30+ vendors including Jen Ehr Family Farm, Pinehold Gardens, River Valley Ranch, Pin Oak Farms, Bolzano Artisan Meats, Saxon Homestead Creamery, and Eden’s Market. Products include fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, cheeses, meats, baked goods, pasta, herbs, and a variety of canned & preserved products.
Even better, other nearby municipalities are now following Milwaukee’s lead. If you live west of the City of Milwaukee, be sure to check out the Oconomowoc Winter Farmers’ Market, a pilot program managed by a joint committee of volunteers from the Oconomowoc Chamber of Commerce and Greener Oconomowoc, Inc. The new winter market is scheduled to run from 10am – 2pm on the second Sunday of the month from November through March. The planning committee will measure the amount of interest generated throughout this pilot year to see if there is enough interest to create a weekly winter market in 2011-2012 winter season.
Appleton, WI also offers a winter market inside the Center City Plaza downtown. The area’s largest indoor farm market features more than 40 vendors selling fruits and vegetables, exotic meats and cheeses, breads and baked goods, specialty foods and handcrafted items along with live music.
Now that you know the facts, my challenge to you is two-fold:
First, make it a point to visit the local market at least a few times this winter. Get to know some of the local farmers and familiarize yourself with what’s available all winter long in Wisconsin.
Second, commit to spending at least 10% of your food budget on local products this season. I promise it won’t be difficult – and you’ll feel good knowing that you’re eating better, more nutritious foods while helping the local economy grow and thrive.
Milwaukee County Winter Farmers Market
8am – 12pm
Saturdays through April 30, 2010
Tommy Thompson Youth Center
State Fair Park – Ag Village, Gate 5
640 South 84th Street
Milwaukee, WI
Parking is FREE.
www.mcwfm.org
Oconomowoc Winter Farmers Market
10am – 2pm
November 14, December 12, January 9, February 13, March 13
Oconomowoc Landscape & Supply Garden Center
N68 W37850 County Trunk K
Oconomowoc, WI
www.oconomowoc.org
Appleton Winter Farmers Market
Saturdays 9am – 12:30pm
November 6 – March 26
City Center Plaza
10 College Avenue
Appleton, WI
www.appletondowntown.org
