April 2006 Vol. 25. No. 4

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Eating food from the land: Redwood Roots Farm grows fresh organic produce

Plan ahead: Funeral Consumers Alliance of Humboldt announces April 22 meeting

Growing our local food: Farmers' markets continue tradition of small farming

Calling all gardeners

Area Agency on Aging Public hearings reveal issues

Fortuna senior activities: Wellness Lecture Series at Senior Dining Room

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For many people across the world, eating together is a social and cultural tradition that joins communities, families and friends. Yet, these rituals are overshadowed by the changing patterns in our food systems that bring about the downfall of family farms and the collapse of local food systems.

What was once a system based on local environments and seasons, food production has been transformed into a highly transportable and mechanized coordination of capital and labor. As local markets become overwhelmed by cheaper global products, small farmers suffer the loss of important outlets for their products.

In a world where the average meal now travels between 1,500 and 2,500 miles before it is served and changes hands more than a dozen times, it is reassuring that Humboldt County offers so many opportunities to buy from a local producer. From dairy to beef, from apples to zucchini, Humboldt producers continue to bless us with healthy and fresh choices that didn't have to cross the ocean to get here.

Although a variety of local products can be found at grocery stores year-round, spring marks the beginning of our farmers' market season here where the food you buy comes straight from the grower. Starting Saturday, April 8, on the Arcata Plaza, you'll find farmers and other producers from the far corners of our county sharing the fruits of their hard labor. And the Arcata market represents just one of many throughout Humboldt County that provides essential outlets for small producers who may find it difficult to compete in grocery stores.

Farmers' markets not only help to keep small farmers in business, they also reinvest our money in our community, economy and land. And now that the five markets in McKinleyville, Arcata and Eureka accept WIC (Women, Infants and Childrens) and Senior Farmer's Market coupons and food stamps, affording local foods is a little easier.

Even if you don't buy anything from the markets this spring, the sights and smells coming from the colorful and vibrant stalls will fill you with the bounty of the season. For information on a Farmers' Market near you, visit www.hum farm.org or call 441-9999.