Calling All Volunteers

Ten years ago, the Franklin Farmers Market began with just 8 farms. Now, the market is home to nearly 70 farms over the course of the year. When you shop at the market, you are helping us to meet our goal of keeping Tennessee farmland green and growing.
The market keeps growing too and so does our need for volunteers. Volunteers are
animportant part of the Franklin Farmers Market. Among other things, we need volunteers to help with special events and educational projects, photography and the market's website. There's no shortage of ways you can get involved with the Franklin Farmers
Market. To find out more about the market's volunteer program and to download an
application, visit our website at www.franklinfarmersmarket.org [http://www.franklinfarmersmarket.org/index.php?page_id=48]
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An Edible Education

The calendar says January, but we're already thinking about spring and the Growing Kids Educational Garden. Getting kids to eat their vegetables can be tough. Most kids have made up their minds about what's good to eat by the time they're in 3rd grade. The hands-on lessons at the garden teach kids about delicious
healthy fresh food, the environment and the importance of farming. From weeds to
seeds and bees to worms, the weekly lessons at the garden help kids to discover
where their food really comes from. This year, classes and work in the Growing Kids Educational Garden will begin in April.Get more information on the garden and how your kids can be a part of it this year on the market's website:
www.franklinfarmersmarket.org [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=xu4hcjcab&et=1109040597456&s=4752&e=001dpYtvmHcNC0HynOK-zRx_G80bT6ij65vy_LeZsKZ6TYkiSF3fybZA0D_MV0kyMimVj8rFuvrV-bmMb9aFW8CXWxuF265AN3w70sm6Pn29GyEUPQ8djfcK7vbQoQwfMz4V6yZrGOZ6lvn9rzr37KEc3OuRrCX1lN-]
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Saturday at the Market

It's January. So what kind of veggies are in season now? Delicious greens, such
as swiss chard, spinach and lettuce are ready for you to enjoy, along with sweet
potatoes and winter squash. Look for scallions, herbs and mushrooms at the market
too.  As always, you'll find tender cuts of meat at the market, along with fresh
dairy goods and goat cheeses. Pick up delicious breads, baked goods and local honey.
Peaceful Pastures will have a limited number of fresh eggs, along with duck for
a delicious meal. You'll also find rendered lard at the Peaceful Pastures booth.
And pick up a bag of BB's Gourmet Pretzels, perfect for munching while watching
the weekend football games.

Looking Back. Moving Forward.

2011 was the 10th anniversary for the Franklin Farmers Market. It's hard to believe
that when it began, there were only 8 farms that were a part of the market. This year, approximately 70 farms were at the market over the course of the summer season. One of the highlights for the market in 2011 was the creation of the Growing Kids
Educational Garden at the Park at Harlinsdale. The project was awarded four stars
from the state's Parks and Recreations Association. The Franklin Farmers Market also teamed up with Amerigo Italian Restaurant to feature fresh food from local
farms in dishes served at the restaurant. Amerigo Chef Stephen Ward took it one
step forward with demos of delicious foods during the summer season prepared with
local farm ingredients at the market. The first Harvest Under the Moon dinner was held at the market in 2011 too, with Whole Foods chef Michael Martin preparing a fantastic meal from foods raised or grown on local farms. The new year is shaping
upto be a good one at the market.

In 2012, the Growing Kids Educational Garden classes will continue with a number
of special activities planned for the kids, such as a visit to a local farm. A
number of new market events are also planned, along with the return of such favorites
as the Invasion of the Scarecrows and the Harvest Under the Moon dinner. And as
it is each year, the best in fresh food from local farms will be at the market every
week for you.

Happy New Year!