Christmas Thyme is Here | December 23, 2019

Fresh & Local:

Christmas Thyme is Here

Happy holidays from the farmers, fishermen, bakers, and all your friends at the CCFM! Market will be closed Tuesday, December 24th through Thursday, December 26th so that our vendors can enjoy Christmas day with their loved ones. We tend to forget there is a real person behind every product, and every effort, big or small, that it takes to get it to us. Many farmers pick their crops or fishers go out on the boat the day before market so that their products are as fresh as can be. But the docks are closed, family is in town, and even the farmers need a break every now and then.

Fret not, we will reopen on Friday, December 27th at the Bucktown Harbor from 3-7pm. Mention this email at the welcome tent for an extra special $5 token to spend at the market. We’re so thankful for our wonderful market community and wish everyone a wonderful holiday season.

Rivertown is Closing

It is with a heavy heart that CCFM says goodbye to our Saturday Rivertown Farmers Market in Kenner. After operating this market for the last year and half in the quaint historic neighborhood of Rivertown, we’ve found the market has failed to thrive. Feel free to reach out with any questions and to find out where else to find your favorite vendors. Au revior Rivertown.

SNAP in Jeopardy, Again

The USDA recently finalized a rule set to take effect in April 2020 that would require able bodied adults without dependents to work 20 hours a week, or risk their SNAP (AKA Food Stamps) eligibility. In the past, states had leeway to waive this requirement for areas with high rates of unemployment but these new rules remove that option. In Louisiana, industries like oil and gas, tourism, and film provide jobs where the hours are inconsistent, and since Louisiana has the 6th highest unemployment rate in the country, a steady 20 hour work week is not always possible. With this new rule, over 48,000 Louisianians are at risk of losing access to the healthy food they can purchase when they receive SNAP, not to mention the economic benefits when those dollars ($1.24 billion per year in Louisiana) are spent at the 4,283 retailers that accept SNAP statewide, including at local farmers markets. Taking away food from people who can’t find work doesn’t help them find work. To learn more about this issue, check out the Food Research and Action Center’s website.

Kwanzaa Karamu

Kwanzaa is a secular celebration held to honor African American heritage and cultural traditions. Born out of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements of the mid-60s, Kwanzaa is centered around values of unity and kinship. It is typically observed alongside Christmas or other religious holidays. The week-long celebration underscores the importance of community and the strengthening of a cultural identity, culminating in a feast held on December 31st. While Kwanzaa roughly translates to "first fruits of the harvest," the feast is-- of course-- not limited to fruit! The feast, called karamu, features Southern staples like sweet potatoes, collards, catfish, and black eyed peas. Food is a wonderful way to celebrate heritage, identity, and family. Check out our recipe of the week down below!

Vendor of the Week:

Varino’s Italian Sausage

With bated breath you’ve been waiting. Brat? Garlic? Italian? What’s your favorite? On a stick or for your grill, your favorite sausage man is BACK! Mike Varino makes his return to CCFM with his beloved Siciliano family recipes and memorabilia. He’s settling in, but look forward to our Uptown, Ochsner and Bucktown markets for a snack and a chat. Ask him about the time he was on Wheel of Fortune - Ciao!

Tuesday’s Green Plate Special:

Thali Llama

Back by popular demand, Thali Llama will heat things up as the Green Plate Special this week and all throughout January! Thali Llama focuses on different regional cuisines of India, where Tyler and Merritt explore dishes they learned throughout their travels. Stop by every Tuesday through the end of January for some heartwarming dishes including mango curry, butter chicken, and more. We look forward to stuffing our bellies with stuffed naan to help stave off that winter chill.

Recipe of the Week:

Yummy Groundnut Stew for Kwanzaa

This traditional Kwanzaa dish will warm the soul on these late, chilly December nights. Sure to stick to your bones, this savory peanut stew honors the culinary flavors of West Africa and is made with local favorites like sweet potatoes and peanuts. So start a new holiday tradition by adding this unique one-pot dish to your cooking repertoire.

What’s your favorite dish to make after visiting the Crescent City Farmers Market? Share your recipes with us on Instagram or Facebook or even Twitter and it might be featured in our weekly newsletter!