Talk to any chef about what they do to make their food taste so good and each one will tell you the same two things, buy fresh and buy local.
Now, residents of Bloomington will have the opportunity to shop like their favorite Food network stars, because the farmer’s market is back with countless options. Rows of EZ-Ups covering tables from the rain and some of Bloomington’s popular food trucks gathered again at Showers Common, downtown. Home cooks like, Pamela Davidson, were thrilled at the rainbow spread of carrots, radishes, and turnips.
“I saw radishes out there that looked beautiful. I think I’ll go back out and get some, they looked so gorgeous and they really kick up a salad.” she said.
Even those who manage to burn mac and cheese will find there’s plenty for them as well. Houseplants of many varieties, local coffee producers, and tulips for that special someone are all available alongside the other edible arrangements.
Pamela Davidson, a former volunteer advocate for the farmer’s market, shows off the bagels she purchased.
While it still may be early in the growing season, there are plenty of unique options to take home and incorporate into a slow-roasted Sunday dinner or a quick grab-and-go breakfast. Fresh eggs were available from multiple vendors and the buzz about ramps, a seasonal favorite, felt tangible.
The pandemic has changed how many farmers have sold their produce and interacted with the public. For much of last year and some of this year, farmers have been disconnected from a major stream of revenue, the general public.
“I have never ordered anything from Amazon. Why would I want to give to a place that treats people like garbage, like expendable commodities to be used and exhausted,” said Pamela Davidson, a farmer’s market and local business advocate. “It’s the power of the pocketbook.”
Fortunately, some forward thinking on behalf of the Parks and Recreation led to the development of some original ideas that let the public access their favorite fresh veggies, all the while staying safe, masked, and six feet away. Sarah Mullin, a farmer’s market specialist, was a part of the team tasked to carry out the new formats.
Sarah Mullin answer questions about her role as a Farmer’s Market Specialist and talks a little more about how the pandemic inspired new ways to connect farmers to their community.
“Last year was a huge challenge and it also kind of stretched us. We learned new ways to market local foods. We had an online market and that was really successful. We also did a drive-through market for a little bit. We tried a lot of things last year.”
Changes have been made and are strictly enforced to ensure the safety of market-goers, hopefully allowing for an in-person market for the entire season. Masks are required and patrons are asked to walk on certain sides of the aisle to allow for social distancing. Only one entrance and exit are available, and hand sanitizer is presented for those coming and going.
While there has been some controversy swirling around the Bloomington Farmer’s Market in years past, Mullins wants to residents to remember that there are many local farms who have struggled to survive during the pandemic who simply use the market as a means to share their product.
Many look to this season as a fresh start and an opportunity to shift the community’s perspective.
