Label GMOs in NH!

by Shane Smith, Outreach Coordinator

Please lend your support to NH State House sponsors of House Bill (HB 660-FN), Maureen Mann and Ian Raymond.  This bill would require labeling of genetically modified (GMO) food and agricultural commodities in NH.  There is currently an on-line petition and you can also sign the petition in the Co-op foyer until Monday night, February 11. The on-line petition link is here

As many of you know there was a huge amount of public support for Prop 37, a bill in the California that narrowly missed passing in the general election last fall that would have made it mandatory to label foods containing GMOs.  The decision of whether or not you have the right to know what’s in your food can help be decided right here in NH. Check out last year's "Right to Know" video.

Winter Farmers' Market at Cole Garden

by Shane Smith, Outreach Coordinator

It’s been another great year to be at Cole Garden for the Concord Winter Farmers' Market.  There is nothing better than to arrive at a sunny, warm greenhouse in the community where one can obtain excellent local food, listen to great music, and run into friends on a cold winter's day.  2012-2013 has seen a growing trend in the formation of winter farmers markets in the state.  This is really exciting.  According to the NH State Agriculture website there are over 30 winter markets in NH this year and over 90 farmers markets during the normal growing season.

All of the food at the market is either grown and/or processed by local producers. Last week I was able to get carrots, spinach, onions, potatoes, pork sausage, cilantro chutney, coffee, eggs and a Panini sandwich to boot.  Those was just the items on my list-there is so much more to choose from! You can check out the Cole Garden Website to see a complete list of all vendors who will be at the market on a given week.  The Co-op is selling Mac n’ Cheese, Panini sandwiches and chili at Cole’s Garden every other week starting Jan. 5 through March 30. 

 

I look forward to working with Chef Mike each time the Co-op is at the Market vending. We serve macaroni and cheese using local cheese and cream, Panini sandwiches using homemade pesto from the Celery Stick kitchen, Brookford Farm cheddar cheese, and chicken using Smart Chicken-the same line we use in the meat case at the store.  That is, the birds are certified humanely raised and processed, as well as raised without animal byproducts, antibiotics, or hormones.

Although vending is a blast  at Coles its always a treat to take a beak and do my own shopping and connect with other vendors at the market.  We look forward to seeing you there.  Check out the Coles Garden website for more details about vending and music here