Market Gardens
In the summer of 2012, CMSP launched the Market Gardens Program, which connects skilled immigrant, low-income gardeners and emerging food leaders with land on which they can cultivate sustainable food for market purposes. The market gardeners have sold sustainably grown produce at the Minnesota Street Market, Good Earth Food Co-op, Nick’s Third Floor Restaurant, NY Gyro, Kalahari Foods, and the Sartell Farmer’s Market, and value-added products at the St. Cloud Farmer’s Market. In 2014 this program will grow to provide training on business planning, as well as continued support for the program participants in sustainable and organic gardening practices.
It is through the Market Gardens program that participants learn about the preparation, planting, and management of a mid-scale market garden, the development and management of a cooperative food business, and the cultivation of sustaining and lasting relationships with customers, be they Produce Managers, buyers at a restaurant, or farmer’s market attendees.
To become involved in the Market Gardens Program please contact Chanti Calabria, Market Gardens Program Manager, at chanti@sustainmn.org, and check out the 2014 Apprentice description as well as the applications for all locations:
Market Gardens Program Description
“La Huerta Guadalupe” Cold Spring Program Description
Market Gardens Application – St. Cloud
Market Gardens Application – St. Joe
Market Gardens Application – La Huerta, Cold Spring (Youth)
Farmers Markets in your area
When you shop at farmers markets, you are experiencing food at its finest. You’re supporting local farmers, the local economy and saving on the energy it normally takes to package and transport produce from the farm to your table. And the best part is, you pay less for fresher, healthier food!
Here’s a list of area farmers markets for you to enjoy this season:
- St. Cloud Farmer’s Market: Saturdays from 8AM to Noon at the Bremer Bank parking lot in downtown St. Cloud.
- Sartell Market Monday: Mondays from 3:00PM to 6:30PM at Pinecone Regional Park in Sartell.
- St. Joseph Farmer’s Market: Fridays from 3:00PM to 6:30PM on County Road 2 in St. Joseph.
- Sauk Rapids Farmer’s Market: Thursdays from 3:00PM to 6:00PM at the VFW in Sauk Rapids.
Also, check out the Good Earth Food Co-op, St. Joseph’s Minnesota Street Market, and Nick’s Third Floor Restaurant for access to organic, local food, bulk goods and fresh produce year round!