There is undoubtedly a movement afoot in the mid-western states to relocalize the production of food. Within Indiana several, well organized groups are gaining momentum. Of particular interest in the north-central region, Purple Porch Cooperative has become very popular. Recent developments include securing a distribution center. The Lang Lab, located near the Pepsi bottling facility in South Bend's south-east section of town, is an ideal setting.Members of the cooperative and non-members (bring cash) arrive Wednesday evenings between 5pm and 7:30pm to purchase high quality produce, artisan breads and chocolates and even organically raised meats. While the hours are somewhat restrictive, the sense of community is contagious.
I hope to see you there.
Best,
Stephanie
P.S., Don't forget to leave me a comment after you've visited Purple Porch. Let me know which growers or producers you met. Don't forget to tell them you heard about them here on my blog.
What can I expect as far as fresh produce? How is the variety for this time of year? How long have you been a health food advocate?
ReplyDeleteHi sharville,
ReplyDeleteI was pleasantly surprised by the amount of produce available during this time of year despite the arctic freeze of Indiana winters. Several of the farmer/producers have kale, swiss Chard, cabbage, turnips, carrots, potatoes, and a variety of gourds. If you visit Purple Porch (located in the Lang Lab on High St., near Pepsi), please visit Pa's Veggies, the Hebrons, and Roseland Meats. Honestly, I can't say enough about our farmer/producers. All provide only fresh, locally raised foods, but most are also raised organically or sustainably. These farmers are the new ROCK STARS!. They are radically committed to such causes as the environment, food equity and fair wages. One man in particular, Chris Hebron (his wife is Michelle) actually went to the famous Polyface Farms to train.
I've been involved in food and healing since I was a teenager. That's over twenty-five years!
Thanks so much for the comments. Please tell someone who lives in Michiana to visit my blog.
Hope to chat with you again.
Food Purist