Farmers Markets and Locally Grown and More…

‘Karen and Jay celebrate the exciting growth of local agriculture and positive developments in our communities’

There’s a major phenomenon gathering steam. Locally grown! And you can see it happening all around you. What’s old is new again. For centuries, we as humans have been closely linked to the land around us and what it can produce. The local food supply has been a vital part of our community life as well as our source of health and nutrition – and for many of us even planting our own. In fact, I can remember years ago as a kid - planting the garden down behind our house each year along with my brother and our parents. We would plant peas, cucumbers, carrots, radishes, tomatoes, potatoes – and of course, corn. My brother and I even tried watermelon one year – not so successful given our growing season in Newport – but we felt good giving it a shot. However, with the advent of mass production, large corporate food producers – along with preservatives, additives and more – over the past seventy years or so – as a nation, we have, in large part, lost our longstanding connection to local agriculture. But now, the great news is – local farming roaring back with gusto – and bringing along all the attendant benefits. Higher nutritional content in what we eat, community gardens that foster social interaction and local pride, as well as perhaps most important, a sense of independence. From neighborhood plots bursting with tomatoes and sunflowers to bustling farmers markets in the heart of town, the movement is as colorful as it is inspiring. These spaces aren’t just places to buy vegetables; they’re meeting grounds where neighbors catch up, ideas are exchanged, and knowledge about growing, cooking, and preserving food is passed along like a cherished heirloom. You’ll often find local musicians adding a joyful soundtrack, children chasing each other between the stalls, and handshakes sealing not only sales but friendships. Community gardens, in particular, are transforming vacant lots and idle spaces into vibrant hubs of life. They’re teaching young people where food really comes from — and how rewarding it feels to nurture something from seed to harvest. Elder gardeners bring a lifetime of wisdom, newcomers bring fresh energy and ideas, and together they create something beautiful, productive, and shared. These gardens become symbols of what’s possible when people work side by side toward a common goal. The benefits ripple outward. Local growers support the local economy, keeping dollars circulating close to home. Fresh produce means fewer miles traveled from farm to table, reducing our environmental footprint. And because the food is picked at peak ripeness, it’s packed with flavor and nutrition that far outshine mass-produced alternatives. It’s good for our bodies, our environment, and our community spirit. Most of all, this return to local food is feeding something deeper than hunger — it’s feeding hope. In a world that sometimes feels fast-paced and disconnected, a simple ear of corn or a fresh-picked strawberry can remind us of where we come from and the value of slowing down. In the smiles exchanged over a basket of peaches or the dirt under our fingernails after a morning in the garden, we rediscover the joy of being rooted — in place, in purpose, and in each other. Let’s savor the season, celebrate every local harvest, and nurture the bonds that make our communities shine bright—one garden, one neighbor, one sun-ripened tomato at a time.

n the heart of Malden, Massachusetts, Julie Mangan has cultivated more than just a garden, she’s cultivated a movement. As the longtime coordinator of the Malden Community Garden, Julie has transformed a once-ignored city lot into a thriving, multicultural gathering place that feeds bodies, friendships, and civic pride. Julie’s leadership is rooted in inclusion. From day one, she made sure that the garden reflected the diversity of the surrounding neighborhood. With plots tended by residents from all walks of life—immigrants, seniors, students, and families—the Malden garden has become a living mosaic of cultures and flavors. But Julie’s work goes far beyond plot assignments. She hosts seasonal potlucks, organizes garden tours, and mentors new gardeners with an encouraging spirit and a pair of dirt-covered gloves. Under her guidance, the garden became a certified urban agriculture site and a pilot program for regional sustainability grants. When the pandemic struck, Julie led efforts to increase production for food-insecure residents, turning extra plots into donation beds and launching a “Grow & Give” campaign. She also partnered with local schools to offer virtual gardening classes for kids stuck at home. Thanks to her dedication, the Malden Community Garden is now a blueprint for other towns looking to turn soil into strength. Julie has been featured by the Massachusetts Urban Agriculture Coalition and continues to mentor new community garden leaders throughout New England.

Quote of the Week

“Strong communities are built around local, real food. Food we trust to nourish our bodies, the farmer and planet.” — Joel Salatin

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