It is a new year and a fresh opportunity to begin new habits. This year, we suggest eating locally and supporting the small farmers in our area. The perfect place to begin is at one of our several, vibrant markets.

Community Food Bank Farmers Markets

After a short hiatus for the holiday, the Community Food Bank markets are back and ready for you to enjoy! This week welcomes back the the musical talents of banjo wizard, Rudy Cortese at the Santa Cruz River Farmers Market.

Santa Cruz River Farmers Market

100 S. Avenida del Convento, 3 – 6 p.m. Thursday

• Amy’s Raw Kitchen brings freshly cut micro greens and sprouts from organic seeds each week to the market. You can create a mixed bag of your choice, choosing from such delicious varieties like sunflower greens, pea shoots, bean sprouts and mixed micro greens.
• Zinman’s Food shop has fresh baked herb focaccia bread, hummus, scones, cookies and several other varieties to enjoy. It is all made locally with a lot of love.

Community Food Bank Farm Stand

3003 S. Country Club Rd., 8 a.m. – noon Tuesday

• Abundant Harvest Cooperative has collected apples, oranges, kumquats, kale, radishes, turnips and fresh herbs to enjoy this week!

For more information visit communityfoodbank.org.

FoodInRoot

FoodInRoot is excited to announce its new partnership with Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment. The events will take place at both Old Nogales and Sahuarita locations on Saturday evenings from 4:00-7:00 p.m. There will be food trucks, baked goods, live music and a cash bar. For specific dates and more details, head to foodinroot.com/desert-diamond.

Sycamore Park Twilight Market

7413 E. Sycamore Park Boulevard, 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Friday

• Ms. L’s Cupcakes owner dreamed of opening a bakery and has made it come true. Stop by and meet this passionate vendor and try one of her many mouthwatering cupcakes.
• Meatball Madness is a new food truck on the scene selling gourmet meatballs in several different ways. Try their take on a Chicago hot dog or a Sonoran hot dog for something new and fresh.
  

St. Philip’s Plaza Farmers Market

4280 N. Campbell Rd., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday

• 123 Easy Food creates herb and spice mixes that are full of fresh flavors without any gluten, MSG or preservatives. Add a little spice to your recipes and the guess work out of figuring out which flavors go together.
• Beer Geek Bakery loves craft beer and sweet treats. All of the goodies made from this local vendor are “beer kissed” using locally brewed beer to add some deliciousness to your snacking.

For more information visit foodinroot.com.

Heirloom Farmers Markets

Save the date for the Citrus Jubilee at the Heirloom Farmers Markets the weekend of January 20-22nd. Each of the markets will be stocked with oranges, grapefruits, lemons, tangelos, and kumquats. All of the citrus is locally grown and vendors will have recipe cards and other citrus food specialties.

Rillito Park

4502 N. 1^st Ave., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday

• Zamudio Eggs brings cage free, fresh farm eggs each week to the market. Ditch the grocery store eggs and find the joy in eating eggs that are local.

• Local Southwest specializes in extra virgin olive oil from small, family owned farms in California. The olives are cured between 9-18 months depending on the desired flavor to ensure the best product possible.

Trail Dust Town

6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday

• Larry’s Veggies grows all natural vegetables in Marana. All of the produce is picked within 24-48 hours prior to coming to the market. Look out for delicious tomatoes, onions and other in-season varieties of produce.

For more information visit heirloomfm.org.