News - Camden Farmers Market had a good season - Camden Farmers Market had a good season

CAPTION: Folks learned that buying locally grown food not only tastes good, but can decrease their carbon footprints at the Do It Green! Cook-off at the Camden Farmers Market on September 24. Fun fact to know: In the U.S., local foods come from an average of 56 miles away and conventional foods come from an average of 1,500 miles away! Photo by Duane Atter.

    Although we ended on a very cold and rainy day, our spirits were high because of the highly successful 2009 season of the Camden Farmers Market. This year, Camden residents doubled their attendance at the market over last year. New yard signs, surveys, special events and the introduction of the "Best of the Market" box were all new changes for the market this season. The boxes were very successful, many people commented on the variety and value of the boxes positively - some even tried vegetables they had not eaten before. The farmers were very generous and donated 3,666 pounds of fresh produce to Second Harvest this season.

    Look for more exciting additions to the market next year, such as a program to bring more vegetables to senior residences such as Hamilton Manor, more events like the chef low carbon impact cook off in partnership with Do It Green MN, and space provided for local organizations and businesses to promote themselves.