Philadelphia offers plenty of chances to purchase locally-grown produce

By Taylor-Lynn Capaldo
Collegian Staff
October 4, 2006

Last week, if you had the privilege of attending the Farm-to Fork Dinner at the B&G, you may have had the chance to experience the fresh tomatoes, eggplant, figs, goat cheese, scalloped potatoes, and the delicious apple crisp. You probably already know that all of these fruits and vegetables came directly from local, independently run farms. But what you may not know is that the Blue and Gold is not the only place where you can get more locally grown, farm fresh, organic food.

Reading Terminal Market’s Local Food Expo allowed guests to sample the best fresh,
organic produce that Philadelphia has to offer. - Taylor-Lynn Capaldo

In anticipation of last Saturday night’s Farm Aid benefit, held at the Tweeter Center in Camden, Philadelphia kicked off “Farm Aid Week,” encouraging city residents to “Buy Fresh, Buy Local.” The week started off with the First Annual Local Food Expo held at Reading Terminal Market and sponsored by the White Dog Café Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization that promotes locally owned businesses and farms and supports healthy lifestyles.

The Food Expo allowed the Philadelphia public to meet local farmers and to find out how and where fresh food is available in the area. Farmers stood at their separate stations and gave out free samples of cheese, gelato, fresh apple cider, lamb pepperoni, salad and homemade jelly, biscotti and spicy salsa. Other nonprofit organizations, such as Farm to City and The Food Trust, were also present, handing out information to the public about the benefits of buying local organic food and educating people about how to get involved personally.

According to the White Dog Café Foundation, buying locally has many benefits. In the Philadelphia Local Food Guide, produced by White Dog and the Philadelphia City Paper, there are six major reasons why buying from local farmers is important.

“Buying locally ensures freshness and flavor, supports the regional economy, supports family farmers, protects open space and farmland, builds community and protects natural resources.” The food is not only delicious, but healthy, as well.

If the Farm to Fork dinner left you wanting more, there are plenty of ways that you can support local farmers and purchase organically grown food. If you’re looking for a way to buy organic food and enjoy a lazy afternoon, check out a farmer’s market. The Food Trust, a nonprofit organization that educates schools and communities about the importance of good nutrition, sponsors 18 farmers markets in the area, including right in our neighborhood, such as the market at Cliveden Park on Chew and Johnson Avenues open on Wednesdays between 2-6 p.m. If you’re looking to get into the city, there are also markets all throughout Center City and South Philadelphia.

If you’re not ready for a full-time commitment to buying farm fresh, you can still support your local farmers when dining out in Philadelphia. Many of the city’s restaurants use locally-grown produce and family-farmed animal products on their menus and are a part of Fair Food, a project of the White Dog Café Foundation, that brings locally grown food into the local marketplace. If you’re looking for a full meal, be sure to try The Monk’s Café, located at 16th and Spruce Streets. If you prefer a quick bite to eat or a cup of coffee, try Old City Coffee located on Church Street.

Buying organic food is expensive and hard for a “broke college student,” but, if everyone starts pitching in and purchasing local food a little at a time, it will make a big difference.

capaldot1@lasalle.edu