_{by the Editors of Healthy Kids NOW}

We’re happy to announce that, beginning this month (January 2010), four new community markets are opening on a weekly basis in our local towns. Specifics about the produce to be offered and the locations and hours of operation are included in the article that follows.There is also a farmers' market at the Westchester County Center that is open every Sunday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and more farmers' market sites being considered for additional towns in Northern Westchester. Enjoy!

_{Photographed by Suat Eman and obtained from www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/gallery}

Eat Local Veggies all Winter with Community Markets' Four Indoor Farmers' Markets!

_{by Rebecca Pedinotti, Community Markets}

Quite a phenomenon is taking place in the local food world these days and, thanks to an Ossining based farmers market organization, Westchester residents are about to reap the tasty rewards.  Spurred by consumer demand and the innovation of local farmers, Community Markets is working tirelessly to lift the region out of its wintertime local-food-rut. On January 9th, the organization that has been bringing fresh produce to Westchester residents via farmers markets for the last 20 years is opening four indoor farmers markets.

“Many eaters in the Northeast are under the impression that local farmers are only selling onions and potatoes over the winter,” says Community Markets director Miriam Haas, “but this is simply not the case.”  And, with the expected spread of items, it clearly is not; according to Haas, this year’s indoor market selection will include, among other things: organic greens, kale, collard greens, beets, turnips, brussel sprouts, shallots, potatoes, onions, winter squash, carrots, spinach, cabbage, orchard fruit, baby romaine, baby red leaf lettuce, wine, pasture raised beef, poultry and pork, seafood, pickles, specialty foods, artisan cheeses, cider, apples, pears, cider donuts, crusty bread, and baked goods.

“After the success of last year’s indoor winter markets, in Briarcliff and Mamaroneck,” Haas explains, “more farmers realized that there is demand for year-round local produce and spent the summer planning for winter growing.” Brian Gajeski of Gajeski Produce on Long Island is one such farmer. Gajeski, who will be selling at several of the indoor markets this year, invested in a greenhouse and thrilled last year’s shoppers with his offering of crisp greens, “I get used greenhouses at auctions and modify them,” he says. “That way it’s a quarter of the price.” To withstand the harsher winter environment, many produce growers chose heartier varieties of crops. These crops were either grown in the soil or in flats on raised tables under plastic covered high tunnels or hoop houses. Using a hoop house can actually prolong the growing season for up to four months without even adding any heat! The resulting harvest is proof that old limitations no longer hold true and, more importantly, local winter eating is about to get a lot more exciting!

But the excitement doesn’t stop there; Community Markets is rolling out a series of family events at every market. “We want to make each of our markets a place for community members to come together, relax, be entertained and engaged,” Haas says.

Every market day, the Community Market’s team has planned to have either live music, a lecture, cooking demo or cooking contest at each farmers market. “It’s going to be a lot of fun and food shopping really should be fun,” says Haas.

The indoor winter markets will be held from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., every Saturday beginning on January 9th at the following locations:

The Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester
351 Main St. Mt. Kisco, NY 10549

Briarcliff Congregational Church
30 S State Rd, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510

St Thomas’ Episcopal Church
168 W Boston Post Road. Mamaroneck, NY 10543.

John Jay High School
60 N Salem Rd. Cross River, NY 10518

For additional information, check the Community Markets website.