Vendors set up at the new Southwest Community Farmers’ Market.
Southwest Community Farmers Market
open Saturdays 9-2, from Dec. 1, 2012 to June 15, 2013
Location:
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
7701 SW 76 Ave
South Miami FL
A new farmer’s market opened up in South Miami last Saturday, Dec. 1st. The Southwest Community Farmers Market is a grassroots, volunteer operation organized by city’s Green Task Force, with the mission “to provide local, organic and sustainable food for the community.”
On opening day, about a dozen vendors set up in a large grassy area behind the Unitarian Universalist church. If you are not familiar with the church property, park along the east side and walk back to the tents. There should be signs to direct you. You will not see the market from the street.
Luigi and Melissa of Urban Oasis Project.
Urban Oasis was offering their usual beautiful and fresh assortment of locally sourced, and sustainably or organically grown produce, and is providing doubling funds for EBT shoppers. Art Friedrich was also brought in as a consultant to help start the market.
Coconut Grove Farms and Laura’s Produce were the other two produce vendors (but not everything they were selling was local or organic). For those with a sweet tooth, this market is heaven, as there were several vendors selling sweet breads, jams and jellies, and honey. Located in the back were musicians jamming on drums and a sitar, and Bricolage, a community vintage sale where neighbors can buy and sell older and unique household items. Other vendors include: Tattooed Beekeeper’s Wife, Spice Galore, Freakin Flamingo, Tante Leah’s Handmades, Crackerman, Siggi’s Organics, Cafe Luigi, Kami’s Kitchen, Odell Massage, and Roc Kat Ice Cream. (Some vendors had participated in the now-defunct South Miami Farmers Market once run by Mario Yanez’s non-profit Earth Learning.)
Annick Sternberg, who chairs the market committee, is thrilled that the market is up and running. “I want this to work,” she told me with a note of determination. Mayor Philip Stoddard walked around chatting to vendors and shoppers. Everyone involved has high hopes for this market to succeed, and believes that hands-on community involvement is key. Copme on out and support this new market! It’s worth the effort to find.
