Happy New Year’s
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 newmarket 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!
How about starting the new year off right for good luck? For years, it’s been believed that what you eat on January 1st can give you good luck in the new year. Cooked greens, including cabbage, collards, turnip greens and chard fall in that category and leaves look like foldedmoney, and are thus symbolic of economic fortune. So the more greens one eats, the larger one’s fortune next year. Whether or not you believe that eating greens will make 2012 a lucky year for you, it’s still a good idea to eat them. Health officials recommend that adults eat at least 3 cups of dark greens veggies per week. Dark leafy greens, such as collards are low in calories, cholesterol, fat and sodium. The dietary fiber in these foods also contributes to a healthy gastrointestinal system. And greens can be prepared in a variety of ways, including steaming, blanching and sautéing. Choosing to eat less fatty foods and more of those that are healthy is sure to help you lose weight and stay in good shape all year round.To get lucky, eat better. It’s truly a dose of good luck for your body.
