The Columbus County Community Farmers Market will give everyone an opportunity to sample locally grown watermelons, cantaloupe, honeydew and other melons during Melon Day on Saturday, July 19. Enjoy free samples (first-come, first-served while supplies last) as well as free recipes and nutritional information.
Watermelon Is The Lycopene Leader Among Fresh Fruits and Fresh Vegetables
Lycopene is a carotenoid that gives watermelon its red color, and it is only available in a few other foods, including tomatoes. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant. Researchers are finding increasing evidence that proper diet and nutrition are important factors in disease prevention. Watermelon contains higher levels of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable (15 to 20 mg per 2-cup serving) and is part of a healhty diet.
Welcome to the Columbus County Community Farmers Market - since 1998, one of the finest local markets in the area. The market features only farmer-grown, farmer-sold products. Member's farms are visited periodically to assure that all items sold are locally grown by the seller and are of the highest quality.
We take great pride in selling at and operating the Columbus County Community Farmers Market! We hope you will visit us soon!
If you have any questions, please ask any of our vendors, or call L. H. or Carol Shuman at (910) 642-3789.
Take the "Eat Local Challenge"
The Columbus County Community Farmers Market is partnering with Tidal Creek, a natural foods cooperative, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to promote the "Eat Local Challenge '08." The month long initiative. which began on June 15, and will continue through July 15, encourages residents of the Cape Fear region to eat local - food produced within 100 miles of their home.
Individuals and families can participate by registering online at the Tidal Creek "Eat Local Challenge" website. By taking the challenge, each person pledges to eat locally grown and produced foods. Each participant decides what percentage of locally produced food to pledge to eat - from 1% to 100%!
Why Should We Eat Locally Grown Food?
The average food product in the United States travels between 1,500 and 2,400 miles to get to our tables. Not only are many of our natural resources used to help make that trip, but much of the nutritional value of fresh fruits and vegetable is lost in transit. Locally grown food is "miles and miles fresher!" By keeping our food choices closer to home we are supporting our local farmers, providing more nutritious foods for ourselves and our families, and circulating our food dollars locally for a stronger community and increased energy savings. In addition, when we buy locally grown food, we are often developing a relationship with the very people who grow our food. The Columbus County Community Farmers Market encourages you to take the "Eat Local Challenge '08."
Congratulations to Our 2008 Poster Contest Winners
The Columbus County Community Farmers Market held a poster contest for students in Kindergarten through fifth grade. More than 100 students entered artwork. The theme for the contest was "Eat More Fresh Fruits & Vegetables" and the posters were intended to highlight the importance of a healthy diet rich with fresh fruits and vegetables. The theme could also include depictions of farms, farmers, and the farmers market.
The overall winner received a certificate, a Farmers Market T-shirt, and $50 in Farmers Market Cash. In addition, his drawing is featured on the 2008 Farmers Market promotional poster. One winner in each other grade level received a certificate and $25 in Farmers Market Cash.
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Photos of Our 2008 Annual Meeting
More than 50 people attended the Columbus County Community Farmers Market's 2008 Annual Meeting on Friday, January 18. WECT Tv-6 meteorologist Craig Carnesi was the keynote speaker.
A native of San Antonio, Texas, Craig has more than 12 years of broadcast experience. He joined the staff of WECT TV-6, the NBC affiliate in Wilmington, in 2006. Carnesi spoke on the impact of weather and the ongoing drought conditions on agriculture and our life, in general, in southeastern North Carolina.
Everyone in attendance enjoyed a delicious meal. Farmers Market vice president L. H. Shuman recognized Larry Nobles for his service on the Board of Directors.
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E-mail Updates
Enter your e-mail address below to receive periodic e-mail updates on produce availability, special events and promotions at the Columbus County Community Farmers Market. (NetSafe: Your contact information is kept confidential and not shared with others).
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