How to Become Part of Your Community, Part Two

There was a time when sending for pickled goat livers from Turkey or a special wheat only grown on an island off the cost of Scotland were the chichi things to do when entertaining friends.

Now it's eating locally, preparing a meal made only from products grown within, say, a 100-mile radius of your home.

Fortunately, we are able to do that fairly often here, especially now when the harvest is nearing its peak. Not only do we have at least five farm stands scattered throughout the community, we also are seeing more locally-grown produce in area grocery stores.

Local restaurant menus are also reflecting an interest in seasonal and local produce. Local chefs know that buying local and preparing seasonal menus is not only smart, it helps create a sense of community for diners.

It's a lot more fun when you know where you food comes from and who grows it.

Which brings me to our local farm markets. The Historic Downtown Menominee Farm Market runs 3-7 p.m. on Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Marinette's Main Street Market runs Tuesdays and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Farm markets have the potential to build community as well as provide local sources of fresh produce. They also provide a marketplace for the exchange of ideas, news, and friendship.

Want to be part of the community? Shop at a local farm market.