HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Last week the nation celebrated National Farmers Market Week, and it does seem now more than ever that consumers are choosing to spend their food dollars in their own communities.
The number of farmers markets in West Virginia has increased over the last several years as people place importance on knowing where their food comes from.
There are many reasons why people shop at local farmers markets. Some say they want fresh food, while others buy local food products for health reasons. Many customers who frequent The Wild Ramp market, in Huntington, do so because they place importance on knowing that they are supporting their local farming community.
Being able to put a "face" on the food they purchase helps them to feel a connection. They may not be growing food themselves, but they know the farmer who helps put food on their tables each day.
You cannot get that connection anywhere except for a farmers market!
The Wild Ramp market lost one of its founding farmers this past week when Tim Appleton of Mil-Ton Farms lost his battle with cancer. Mil-Ton Farms was the very first producer to sign on as a vendor for The Wild Ramp. Tim, his wife, Stephanie, and their children were instrumental in the success of our wonderful community market.
Along with countless volunteers and farmers, the Appletons helped build an innovative, year-round, indoor farmers market that gives consumers access to fresh produce, meats, dairy and many other locally produced products.
They did this while farming and homeschooling their four children. They did this while taking time away from working their farm to help other farmers through The Wild Ramp's "Help a Farmer Day." Even with everything they went through these last few months, Tim and Stephanie still took time to talk with customers about how they raise their pigs, what they fed their chickens and what farming means to their family.
There has been an outpouring of community support for this lovely family. This farming family has a face, just like many other farmers across the nation. They are just like you and I. They work hard to support their families. The difference is that they are supporting their families by providing us with something that we cannot live without: good food. I believe that is a pretty important job, and I am thankful for Mil-Ton Farms and many other farmers who provide for our market.
Farmers markets are lively places that make you feel good. They are vibrant and fresh. They are the only place where we cannot forget where our food comes from and that we can all benefit from knowing the faces behind farming.
Here's what's coming to the market this month and next:
n Apples
n Potatoes
n Peppers
n Tomatoes
n Butternut squash
n Pumpkins
n Onions
n Corn
n Cabbage
n Watermelon
n Cantaloupe
Canning class: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Huntington's Kitchen, 911 Third Ave., Huntington
The Wild Ramp and Huntington's Kitchen will hold a canning workshop in which participants will learn how to use pressure canners and water bath canners to preserve pickles, jam and vegetables. The cost is $15. For more information, visit huntingtons-kitchen.org/classes/or call 304-522-0887.
Mushroom kit class: 10 a.m. Aug. 27, The Wild Ramp
Fungolia Farms will hold a mushroom kit class at The Wild Ramp. Participants will learn how to grow mushrooms using Fungolia Farms kits. There also will be a demonstration on cooking with oyster mushrooms. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/fungoliafarms or call The Wild Ramp at 304-523-7267.
Chili Cook Off: Sept. 5, Central City Market
The Wild Ramp, in conjunction with Central City Farmers Market, will hold a Chili Cook Off with cash prizes for first- through fourth-place winners. The competition will take place at the Central City Market, behind The Wild Ramp. There is no fee to enter. Participants are asked to bring a slow cooker full of their best chili and register onsite the day of the cook-off. Judging will start at 11 a.m. and chili will be sold to the public as a charity fundraiser. For more information, call 304-525-1500.
Shelly Keeney is the market manager for The Wild Ramp farmers market, a nonprofit, year-round indoor market in Huntington open six days a week. The Wild Ramp is at 555 14th St. W., Huntington. For more information, visit wildramp.org/, call 304-523-RAMP (7267) or email info@wildramp.com.