This Week at the Farmers Market: Watermelon, Figs, Okra & Sunflower Sprouts

The desert is looking a little greener, the cacti is a bit more plump and the washes have had a few flash floods. Monsoons have injected life back into our community and left us with much needed rain. The farmers are happy, the produce is thriving and the customers at the market this week are benefiting.

Community Food Bank Farmers Markets

The Community Food Bank provides assistance and food to families and individuals in need. It partners with several different agencies across five counties in Southern Arizona. If you, or someone you know is in need, the Food Bank can help with emergency food assistance, guidance to a local soup kitchen or help with SNAP and other public programs. For a full list of pantries, look here.

Santa Cruz River Farmers Market (100 S. Avenida del Convento)- Thursday 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

• Tucson Village Farm returns this week after a short break for the summer. Stop by and admire the tomatoes, potatoes, summer squash cucumbers, onions, garlic, okra and zinnias!
• Café Justo offers great deals on high quality coffee beans roasted by individual farmers. While the coffee can’t be grown in our desert climate, this vendor honors the spirit of the market by selling coffee that is produced responsibly. The coffee cooperative is based in Salvador Urbina, Chiapas, Mexico.

El Pueblo Mobile Market, El Rio Parking lot, Irvington Road and 6^th Avenue – Monday 3:00  – 5:00 p.m

Community Food Bank Farm Stand, 3003 S. Country Club Road – Tuesday 8:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m

• Abundant Harvest Cooperative’s produce is absolutely beautiful this week! Thank all of the extra rain the last few days for particularly abundant nopales, figs, tomatoes, grapes, peppers and green onions.

For more information visit communityfoodbank.org.

FoodInRoot

FoodInRoot’s website is full of information about its vendors, its markets and events. Another unique, new section to visit is the section dedicated to informational videos. There are several videos that highlight what makes FoodInRoot successful and strategies it employs to reach more customers.

Banner UMC Farmer’s Market (1501 N. Campbell Avenue) Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• Hand Picked Produce has amazing produce this week. Look for sugar baby watermelons, black plums, white peaches, mangos and squash.
• Mouth of the South Salsa comes to the market with high quality, authentic salsa. A family recipe that has been perfected through the years. Pick up a jar or go all out and get a gallon jug to get you through the week.

St. Philip’s Plaza Artisan Farmers Market (4280 N. Campbell Ave) Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Arizona Living Greens is a one-stop shop for wheat grass juice, sunflower sprouts and many other green varieties to help you be the healthiest you can be.
• Free F.I.T.ness classes have joined the market on Saturday mornings. Beat the heat and join Rachel Allen to lift, tone, move and tighten. Bring a matt, bottle of water and a friend. Class is from 7:30-8:30.

For more information visit foodinroot.com.

Heirloom Farmers Market

Heirloom Farmers Markets worked behind the scenes to create a program for its markets to help its customers make informed purchasing decisions. A new initiative launched recently to designate the vendors who are Southern Arizona Farmers, Ranchers and Producers. Look for the red flag hanging from the booth of those vendors. Use these flags as a guide and never hesitate to ask questions to find out more about all of the wonderful products at the market.

Rillito Park (4502 N. 1^st Avenue) – Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Markley Farms specializes in tomatoes. Varieties include beefsteak, cherry and heirloom. Look for the different kinds of lettuce and spinach as well!

Oro Valley (10901 N. Oracle Road) – Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Lasagna and More is your answer for those nights you want a home cooked meal without all of the work. Stop by the stand for delicious lasagna, manicotti and pasta.

Trail Dust Town (6541 E. Tanque Verde Road) – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• My Rawesome Foods makes fresh, raw and extremely healthy super food snacks. From the gluten-free crackers to the organic macaroons, this booth has all of your cravings covered.

For more information visit heirloomfm.org.