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Spring is in the air, which means Farmers Market Season is here!
The University of Maryland Medical Center's Green Team, University of Maryland Baltimore and the Downtown Market Center, are proud to announce the re-opening of the University Farmers Market on May 11, 2010. This will be the second season for the market, which will take place in Plaza Park, across the street from the hospital's main entrance, along Paca Street. The market will be open every Tuesday from 10:30 am until 2:30 pm, and will run weekly from May through November, 2010.
By hosting a farmers' market, UMMC and its partners are helping to improve the availability of fresh, locally grown and prepared food to its employees, patients, visitors and area residents and businesses. Purchasing food from local farmers and vendors not only supports the local agricultural community and the local economy, but it also decreases "food miles." Food travels on average 1500 miles from farm to plate. However, when purchased "locally", food travels an average of 60 miles. This significant decrease in the distance traveled cuts down on fuel consumption, greenhouse gases, air pollution and the likelihood of related diseases, including asthma, lung disease, lung cancer and heart disease. It also cuts down on the use of plastics used in packaging and allows farmers to pick their food when it's ripe, maximizing the nutrient content in the food and providing you with fresher food that tastes better.
As health care workers, it is important for us to model healthy eating and be environmental stewards that support public health. Buying local food fulfills several of these healthy lifestyle choices. Plus, this market will host many farmers that use environmentally sustainable practices, including fewer pesticides, no antibiotics or growth hormones, and they raise their animals outside on pasture.
What's in Season:
Although peak growing season for Maryland is not until the summer months, some crops will be sprouting up in May. Expect to find strawberries, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, salad greens and spinach within the first few weeks of the market. To find out what is in season from month to month, visit http://marylandsbest.net/in_season.php
The University Farmers' Market is Proud to Feature the Following Farmers and Vendors
(*Designates first year with the University Farmers Market)
Charm City Farms* - located right here in Baltimore City, Charm City Farms offer a wide variety of vegetables, herbs and flowers all grown without the use of pesticides.
Edible Favors - offering homemade desserts and fresh frozen ice, made with Maryland grown fruit.
Eula's Savory Soups - offering fresh, homemade, healthy bean soups, all made with Maryland grown vegetables.
Ferguson Family Farm - located in Baltimore County, MD offering naturally raised Berkshire pork using sustainable agricultural practices, such as rotating pastures and not using growth hormones or antibiotics. Learn more at: www.fergusonfamilyfarm.com
Gary's Savory Sauces - offering a variety of savory sauces for your meats, seafood and vegetables... great for grilling! We are happy to announce that Gary will be firing up his grill this season to offer his signature turkey burgers.
Havana Road* - offering a variety of natural, wholesome, artisanal Cuban foods such as salsa, mojo, red beans, and rice ensalada. Find a complete list of their offerings at www.havanaroad.com
Infused Spreads - offering a wide variety of creative jellies, jams and marmalades, made with Maryland grown fruit.
Kilby Cream - located in Cecil County, MD offering farm fresh homemade ice cream, using milk from their own Cecil County dairy, free of synthetic hormones. Learn more at: www.kilbycream.com
Mallow Munchies - Not your Grandmother Crispy Rice Snack. Mallow Munchies are a twist on the standard treat we all know and love. It has graduated from the three ingredient treat most are familiar with. Instead, their marshmallow is made from scratch using all natural ingredients. Learn more at: www.mallowmunchies.com
Max's Empanadas - offering fresh, authentic Argentine empanadas, pastries, salads, and desserts. Learn more at: www.maxempanadas.com
Stone Mill Bakery - offering a wide variety of breads, pastries and desserts. Known for their quality and freshness, they strive to use organic, additive free, naturally raised ingredients whenever possible. Learn more at: www.stonemillbakery.com
Ruben's Crepes - hot, freshly made crepes with a large variety of delicious fillings.
Stoecker Farms* - a family run farm for over 100 years, Stoecker Farms is located in Baltimore County and offers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
Tuckey's Mountain Grown Berries, Fruits and Vegetables - located just 15 miles north west of historic Gettysburg, PA, offering a full line of berries, fruits, vegetables, cut flowers, jams and jellies and fresh fruit pies. Tuckey's also offers a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Learn more at: www.localharvest.org/farms/M23019
Two Oceans True Foods, Inc (Formally Carriage House Farms) - located in Baltimore County, MD offering chicken, turkey and eggs from animals raised outdoors on pasture without synthetic hormones or antibiotics. Also offering frozen and portioned sustainable seafood. Learn more at: http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M18351
Winspear Farms - located in Baltimore County, offering a unique variety of produce including triple sweet corn, heirloom purple tomatoes and Minnesota midget melons. Look for Lock beginning in August.
Thank you to all who supported the market last year, we look forward to seeing you again this year... and be sure to bring a friend and spread the word!
Keep It Clean Campaign
It’s time for spring cleaning!
Market Center needs the help of its merchants and their customers to keep the area surrounding our businesses as clean as possible. Think of our “Keep it Clean” initiative as a gentle reminder that everyone needs to concentrate on their own spring cleaning.
Display “Keep it Clean” cards near your cash registers or entrances/exits to remind employees, customers and neighbors that we all share in the responsibility to keep Market Center as clean as possible.
The cards remind folks to use appropriate trash receptacles for discarding gum cigarettes and other refuse. They also direct neighbors to the nearest public restroom facilities.
Keeping Market Center near and clean is a collaborative, ongoing effort that cannot be overlooked! We appreciate your support for a cleaner, more attractive Market Center neighborhood.
