We all want Seward to have cool things and good food, but for that to happen, we need to buy locally, especially in today’s economy. Then there’s the whole carbon footprint issue — is the food you’re consuming from Alaska or South America?

During the winter we don’t have many choices, and the internet, food co-op, Costco, etc. provide us with a much needed and appreciated alternative. During the summer, however, we can choose to buy locally.

To support the Alaska Organic Farmers, consider either suspending your Co-op orders for the summer or choosing items not available in Alaska. Vegetables grown in Alaska include:  beets, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, various greens, kohlrabi, lettuce, peas, radishes, potatoes, pumpkin, spaghetti squash, spinach, summer and winter squash, tomatoes, turnips, and zucchini.  If you grow your own produce or berry-pick, consider selling any surplus at the summer market or donating it to the Senior Center or Seaman’s Mission.

Did you know?
In 2006, the Neighborhood Farmer’s Market Association conducted a study which debunked the myth that shopping at farmers markets is more expensive than grocery stores. They bought bags of ten identical items at a farmers market and each of three grocery stores and found that the overall cost was less at the farmers market.

Then there’s the cost to the environment of having items shipped in…  Consider your choices and try to make conscious decisions.

Its raining, the Summer Market is open and we’ve got great, just picked, Organic Produce. This week we have: Organic: Shelled sweet peas, Red-leaf Head Lettuce, 3 varieties of Beets, Purple and Orange carrots, Snow Peas, Broccoli, Green Beans, Cabbage, Spaghetti Squash, Cauliflower, Sweet Pumpkin, and some of organic herbs. Hot house Tomatoes and Cucumbers. Produce is available Thursday through Saturday until we run out. We will be closed on Sundays for the rest of the season, but since produce should be available through October, we’re going to try to stay open Thursday-Saturday as long as the community comes to support us. We will have bulk potatoes and onions as the season progresses. Of course, there’s still savory Nachos and Gifts in the little red house and we just love to see your smiling faces! Abby Wentworth will be at the market this Thursday with her new Earth Flags and Art—stop by a say hi to her sister who is visiting. The market is located at 312 5th Ave., open Thursday-Saturday 10am -4pm. For information contact Joanie at 760-815-8498 or thegrazingmoose@gmail.com

We have Produce and its SO good. Here’s what’s on the garden menu this week: Certified Organic: Red leaf butter head lettuce, sweet carrots, purple carrots, 4 kinds of beets, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, snow peas, shelled peas. Hot house tomatoes and cucumbers from Bell’s Nursery. If you can’t make it on Thursday, we’ll probably still have some left over for Friday and Saturday so check us out. Senior voucher’s and WIC coupons accepted. Everything is Alaska Grown! Abby Wentworth has her new earth flags and will be at the market Thursday through Saturday—her other earth flags have all sold out, so get her new design while they last! Organic, vegetarian Nachos with the “works” and gifts in the little red house. Still trying to figure out the logistics for the reindeer sausages and hope to have them available soon. The market is open 10am-4pm Thursday through Sunday and is located at 312 5th Ave. Contact Joanie at 760-815-8498 or thegrazingmoose@gmail.com