This Week at the Market: Watermelon, Kombucha, Eggs & Falafel

The days are starting to get shorter, the nights slightly cooler and football season looms in the future. Hang on to the last remaining moments of the summer season by stocking up on the last of the seasonal produce. Before you know it, fall will be here.

Community Food Bank Farmers Markets

Have you ever wanted to start a garden to grow produce at home, but not sure where to start? The Community Food Bank hosts the Garden Program. Its purpose is to provide the resources and instructors to help individuals and families get started growing their own food. This is the perfect resource to ensure organic, healthy food is always available.

Santa Cruz River Farmers Market

100 S. Avenida del Convento – Thursday 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

• Sunflower Sprouts Kits is the newest and youngest vendor to join the market. The kits include a biodegradable box, locally sourced organic soil in a compost bag and non-GMO black oil sunflower seeds.
• Plart…plants+art brings balms, salves and locations full of ingredients that are wild harvested or grown in a backyard garden. New recipes are being created all of the time based on seasonal crops.

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 has gathered grapes, nopales, onions, sprouts, sweet potatoes, organic eggs, bell peppers, chiles and jalapeños.

For more information visit communityfoodbank.org.

FoodInRoot

Market Fresh Fitness Mornings happen every Saturday and Sunday morning at St. Philip’s Plaza. Fun, new, active events are always being offered. This week, stop by on Saturday from 7:30-8:30 a.m. for a free F.I.T.ness group.  On Sunday from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m., join Spiritual Gangsta Yoga and Live Love Yoga for a $5 class. For both events, make sure to pack a yoga mat, towel and bottle of water.

Banner UMC Farmers Market

1501 N. Campbell Avenue, Fridays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• Sinbad’s Mediterranean Eats will be making falafel to order for your lunching pleasure.
• Papa Mike’s Homemade Jerky makes its products locally and offers a variety of flavors like Mesquite, Chiltipin, Teriyaki and Brown Sugar. Pick up a few pieces or an entire bag!

St. Philip’s Plaza Farmers Market

4280 N. Campbell Road, Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

• Yellow Brick Coffee is back! Stop by this local favorite for a cup of hot coffee or a glass of its cold brew on nitro. Don’t forget to take a selfie with your coffee and tag your photo #yellowbrickselfie for a chance to win a three month coffee subscription.
• Cindy Gardens has been brewing up kombucha along with her bountiful harvest! Stop by her tent to find out what the flavor of the week is and pick up all of the fruits and vegetables you may need, want and discover!

For more information visit foodinroot.com.

Heirloom Farmers Markets

Heirloom Farmers Markets allows eligible shoppers to use a SNAP card and participate in its Double Your Dollar$ program. This means that if you spend $20, you get a free $20 to use on fruits and vegetables. Simply go to either the Friday or Sunday market and visit the Market Info booth. Bring your SNAP/EBT card to receive your Farm Bucks. Then, simply head out and shop!

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

• Zamudio Eggs collects farm fresh eggs to bring to the market. The eggs come from happy and healthy chickens. They are able to roam freely, as well as eat grass and a special farm recipe.

• Local Southwest specializes in extra virgin olive oil that come from small family farms in California. While you are there, check out the traditional slow cured olives and Italian balsamic vinegar.

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

• Larry’s Veggies has grown something special. Visit this vendor so you can get your very own moon and stars watermelon. You have to see this specialty melon to believe it. We hear it tastes outs of this world.

For more information visit heirloomfm.org.