Learn more and get on board the Fresh Stop Market -- a “pop up” farm-fresh food market, coming next week.

Let's be sure we have a shared understanding of the Fresh Stop Market concept, which is the lead story in this month's edition of the housing authority newsletter (above).

Fresh Stop Markets are “pop up” farm-fresh food markets set up at local churches, housing authorities, and community centers in fresh food insecure neighborhoods. People in the community describe Fresh Stop Markets as welcoming and happy-like a family reunion where all five senses are engaged and there is lots of laughter, food, and fun! Our Fresh Stop Markets are open to everyone and created, led, and sustained by community leaders.

It is explained in greater depth here.

NAHA Fresh Stop Market

Join us on Thursday, June 16th, from 4:30 - 6:30, for our VERY FIRST Fresh Stop Market! Look for our one of a kind mini-classes: Free Verse-Food Stories, Still Life with Veggies, How to grow Micro-greens and Herbs, Fermentation Fun....and much more!

This Market was organized in partnership with the New Albany Housing Authority.

LOCATION: 1200 Bono Rd, New Albany, IN 47150
CONTACT: New Roots, 502.509.6770 ​​

Online ordering will be available soon.

Pre-payment Options
To place an order for shares of seasonal produce call 502.509.6770 (if payment method is debit/credit for SNAP), or drop off cash to New Albany Housing Authority at 215 Erni. (Christal): 812.206.2065

2016 Fresh Stop Market Season (every other Thursday 4:30-6:30pm):
June 16
June 30
July 14
July 28
August 11
August 25
September 8
September 22
October 6
October 20

Check us out on Facebook!

​​*Fresh Stop Markets are powered by volunteer leaders. If you are interested in getting involved in your community, please call 502.509.6770

We're talking about seasonal produce, every other week, with shares priced according one's ability to pay, and no obligation to subscribe to the entire season. A lesser number of $25 shares helps underwrite the greater number of in-need subsidies.

The issue at present is the need for a strong kickoff week to build word-of-mouth. Gina Brown explains:

Hey friends,

I'm probably gonna annoy a few of you, but I really need your help. And too many people have worked too hard on making the NAHA Fresh Stop Market happen in our community. I know once we get the first one off the ground, the rest will be a breeze. If you are on WIC, it's only $6 for you to sign up. If you are reduced income or on SNAP funds, it's only $12 to sign up. If you can afford a little more, it's $25 for a share. Maybe you are not interested in fresh, local and organic produce ... or maybe you'll gonna be out of town, you can donate your share to someone in need. You DO NOT have to live in Floyd County to be part of our Fresh Stop Market. And you DO NOT have to purchase the whole season or month. You just purchase just the ones that you want. Please take a second and think about what this means to your neighbors. This can not happen without your help! Thanks in advance!

The Confidentials are down for a share, and we'll be donating a few as well.

You?

Local food (and groceries) in the news.

The summer growing season has passed, but interest in local food seems to be heating up.

Much of this interest can be traced to the experience of New Albanians attending the recent Milwaukee leadership training, like Ted, who posts a video you need to watch: Growing Power Inc. Community Leadership Institute, the Power of Urban Farming.

Another attendee sent this link: Urban farms plant seeds of hope; Indy woman fights blight with garden on lot she bought for $500, by Dan McFeely (Indy Star). New Albany has plenty of patches like this one. If John M. is reading, how did the St. Marks garden work out the past summer?

Many of us were there for the grocery coop meeting: New Albany working toward grocery co-op (News and Tribune), and there's a Facebook page for the possibly emerging New Albany Grocery Coop movement.

Do we have any updates from the New Albany Farmers Market? I seem to recall hearing of a proposal to have a winter program of some variety.

Open thread: Is there support for a food co-op in New Albany?

Tuesday's presentation illustrating the history and founding principles of the Lost River Community Co-op in Paoli was well attended, with roughly 50 people listening as Andy Mahler, board president (above, right), and Brad Alstrom (left), general manager of Lost River Market and Deli, spoke about their experiences.

Food co-ops are member-owned, self-managed associations dedicated to serving the needs of local farmers and consumers by providing healthy food choices at a fair value. Food co-ops aim to promote community well-being, economic prosperity, and self-reliance. They provide a local option for affordable, nutritious, locally-grown food and goods year round and help guaranty that local food dollars stay within the community.

I didn't take notes, but I will note with approval that among Andy's opening comments was a description of the food co-op as a corrective to "predatory capitalism." Surprisingly, no one left the room. That's refreshing.

Do we have what it takes to pursue a Lost River-style co-op in New Albany? Is this the right market for it? What's the next step?

Thanks go to Andy Terrell, the sponsors, host and concessionaire:

Carnegie Center for Art and History
Develop New Albany
New Albany Urban Enterprise Association
Dueling Grounds Cafe at Destinations Booksellers

NA Event Watch: New Albany Food Coop Possibilities, a discussion at the Carnegie Center on Tuesday, November 3.

Assembled from submitted information. Also on Tuesday, November 3, is Develop New Albany's monthly networking event; the First Tuesday for November will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Robert E. Lee Sternwheeler ballroom a short block from the Carnegie, with Bank Street Brewhouse conveniently located on the way, before and after. That's a blatant hint.

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New Albany Food Coop Possibilities (On Facebook)

Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Location: Carnegie Center for Art and History

Develop New Albany, Inc. and the New Albany Urban Enterprise Association, Inc. are pleased to sponsor a presentation exploring possibilities for a food coop in downtown New Albany.

Andy Mahler, board president of Lost River Market and Deli, will speak Tuesday, November 3 at 7:00 at the Carnegie Center for Art and History.

Food coops are member-owned, self-managed associations dedicated to serving the needs of local farmers and consumers by providing healthy food choices at a fair value. Food coops aim to promote community well-being, economic prosperity, and self-reliance. They provide a local option for affordable, nutritious, locally-grown food and goods year round and help guaranty that local food dollars stay within the community.

Lost River Market and Deli was founded two years ago in Paoli, Indiana. Mr. Mahler will share Paoli’s experience in starting the enterprise and how it has helped served the needs of Orange Co. residents.

Complimentary coffee, hot apple cider and assorted baked goods will be provided by Dueling Grounds Cafe at Destinations Booksellers.