CCFM: A Producer Only Market | July 16, 2024

Fresh & Local:

CCFM: A Producer Only Market

Since 1995, The Crescent City Farmers Markets have been rain or shine - and producer only! What does that mean? Glad you asked!

By committing to being a part of a producer-only market, vendors agree to only sell foods at our markets that they themselves have grown, raised, caught or made, and reselling food from food distributors or larger corporate farms is not permitted. We all make this commitment because we believe that it helps ensure that our shoppers are getting the freshest local produce while forging direct relationships with food producers, vendors receive a fair price for the food they sell, and that it supports the long-term health of our local food system and local economy overall.

We take the commitment to being producer-only seriously, and want CCFM shoppers to always have confidence that the food they buy at our markets is local food. Our vendors go through a rigorous onboarding process that includes farm/ranch/boat visits, and vendors who do not follow the policy risk the opportunity to continue selling at markets.

A dollar spent buying directly from a farmer has about twice the impact on the local economy as spending a dollar on food that goes through many touch points just to reach a supermarket (wholesalers, brokers, shippers, packers, etc.). All of Crescent City Farmers Market vendors come from 200 or fewer miles away, and by selling food straight from a local farm we know that shortened timeline means fresher and more nutritious food for our community, as well as producing positive economic impacts.

Picks of the Week:

Melon Galore

Long are the days of mid-day showers, 90 degree temps (feels like 100+), and relentless sunshine, but that’s ok - because we’ve got melons! Keep your eyes open for sweet, juicy watermelons in the striped starbrite and dark green jade varieties. Also spotted at the market are honeydew and cantaloupes - primo, wrangler, mag, and cruiser varieties. Regardless of the variety, these melons are ripe for the picking and bursting (sometimes literally) with flavor, and also a great way to stay hydrated. You can purchase melons from Fat Cat Farm, 5D Natural Farm, Isabel’s, Johndale Farms, T&R Dairy, and Indian Springs!

National Farmers Market Week

Mark your calendars! National Farmers Market Week begins August 4th, and we have exciting programming for all three markets that week that we’ve begun announcing on Instagram. Farmers Markets all over the country are participating in this National week of celebration (hence why it’s in August - best weather in lots of other places!). You can check out Farmers Market Coalition to learn more about the week’s 25 year history and how CCFM is participating in something greater than just our markets. #MoreThanAMarket

Sunday City Park Market - August 4th
Tuesday Uptown Market - August 6th
Thursday Mid-City Market - August 8th

Kitchenware Sale Donations

Item donations for the Third Annual CCFM Kitchenware Sale are coming in and are looking fabulous! You can continue donating your gently used pots, pans, barware, small cooking appliances, cookbooks, dishes, and more to be sold at the market on Tuesday, August 6th from 8am to 12pm!

Drop off kitchenware donations to our office:

• 200 Broadway St, Suite 107
• Monday - Friday, 9am to 4pm, by August 1st

Stayin’ Cool

Since it’s summer in New Orleans, the markets are equipped with cooling stations to help shoppers take a moment of rest from the sun and cool down. There you’ll find places to sit with a misting fan, hydration packets, and plenty of water to drink. Market staff are educated on the warning signs and treatment of heat exhaustion, so reach out to the welcome tent if you’re in need of assistance. Bring a water bottle and hydrate before you come out too! Drinking water before you face the heat is a great way to get ahead of heat exhaustion. 

Vendor of the Week:

Rose Wagon Ranch

Everyone welcome Rose Wagon Ranch, one of our newest vendors to join the ever-expanding Sunday Market! They are a multi-generational farming family who have practiced many different forms of cultivating, nurturing, and harvesting. “We are using our best efforts to carry on our families legacy of self-sufficiency and the farming way of life.” In addition to seasonal produce, some of their offerings include chicken and quail eggs, microgreens, herbs, edible flowers and an array of value-added goods including microgreen powders, dehydrated mirepoix, and flavored vinegars! 

Recipe of the Week:

Thai Basil & Chile Cantaloupe Salad

It’s melon season - and we’re bringing you a sweet, savory, and juicy snack that is dressed to impress any backyard BBQ or pool day. Grab some cantaloupe from Johndale Farms, thai basil from Veggi Co-op, and a pepper suited for your spice level from LA Gourmet Produce for this quick fruit salad! (#Yummy, yummy..). Find the recipe here.