LOCAL Food in the Lowcountry!
As the spring CSA season comes to an end with over 1,000 shares sold, we wanted to share with you some of the great comments and stories from some of those invested in this first harvest of the year. There have been recipes shared, cakes baked for farmers in gratitude for their labor, weight loss stories, and low and behold testimony of children actually eating VEGETABLES! We also want to let those of you asking “where’s the beef” what opportunities are now or will be available.
Comments from share holders
“We have had an AWESOME time with the CSA. It came about at a time that everything happening has made us even more aware of what we need to do in the world around us, and the local farms and local economy has become very important to us, as has our health. We feel so much better physically-we’re sleeping better, we have the energy to exercise, my fiancé is losing weight, and I am gaining it (which is GOOD!)”
“We’ve become fans of turnips, beets, and kohlrabi. Oh, and the eggs where fabulous, I’m very sad they aren’t an option for the fall.” - Celeste and Rick
“We loved teaching our kids about where food comes from and talking about “our farmers” as real people with names.” – Courtney and the Murren/Rutter Family
“The variety of selection, the convenience of drop off points and the FRESHNESS, seriously I have not eaten food so FRESH!! In my household we even had trouble at times eating everything and found that through giving to our neighbors and friends we not only shared the bounty provided, we also had the opportunity of testifying to the importance of promoting and buying locally. I believe more than a couple ears were turned on to the concept and it would not surprise me that opportunities like this one and others grow exponentially. From talking with local farmer, artisan and passionate being Rita Bachman I learned that her efforts were joined by volunteers and dedicated staff. What a great thing to hear that others outside the profession and those within are willing to give their time to nurture the lands and riches. I applaud all who helped organize and see that this worked so smoothly. YEY LOWCOUNTRY FARMERS, YEY LOWCOUNTRY PRODUCE, YEY LOWCOUNTRY LOCAL FIRST!!!” - Andrew Cebulka
CSA’s in the Lowcountry
Ambrose Farms - http://www.stonofarmmarket.com/ambrosefamilyfarmcsa.html
Legare Farms – Legarefarms@bellsouth.net
Rita’s Roots – vegiitup@yahoo.com
Marshview Community Organic Farm (Beaufort)- svreynolds@earthlink.net
Where’s the Beef…chicken, pork and lamb?
This just in…We wanted to pass along this information that came our way from some of our great local growers Celeste and George Albers of Green Grocer. Celeste and George have dry aged beef available and are selling “shares” that will contain a variety of cuts including steaks, roasts, stew beef, stir-fry and hamburger. Shares will weigh approximately 65 lbs. and cost $450. Each steer will be divided into 6 shares and will be sold on a first come basis. There are limited quantities available with more coming late summer or early this fall. If you would like to reserve a share contact Celeste at 843-860-1088 or 843-559-5095
For years Celeste and George have been producing beautiful vegetables, grits, eggs, raw milk, beef, and sometimes offer fresh shrimp all from the land and waters around Wadmalaw Island. They know not only what their cattle have eaten, but also where it’s been and who has handled it. They work hard to produce some of the best products found in the Lowcountry and are excited about this new venture. To learn more about their farm or to purchase beef shares please contact them directly or visit Celeste at the Marion Square Farmers Market on Saturdays!
Other LOCAL meats available (some slightly north of the Lowcountry):
Cordray Farms – Michael@cordrays.com– beef
Legare Farms – legarefarms@bellsouth.net– beef
River Run Beef – Marion Square Farmer’s Market - beef
Caw Caw Creek (St. Mathews) – emile.defelice@gmail.com– pork
Keegan-Filion Farms (Walterboro) - akfilion@yahoo.com- poultry
Ovis Hill Farms and Oaklyn Plantation- CCCotswold@aol.com- lamb and chicken
Area Farmer’s Markets
Marion Square – Saturday, 8-2
Mt. Pleasant – Tuesday, 3-Dark
Chicora Elementary School – Wednesday, 3-7
Park Circle – Thursday, 3-7
Restaurants that serve LOCAL - "Fresh on the Menu" – S.C. Department of Agriculture
Click here for a list of participating restaurants and to learn more:
To learn how to get involved in Lowcountry Local First go to http://www.lowcountrylocalfirst.org/. We welcome both community and business members to join us in building a stronger local living economy!