Editor’s Note: The following is the second of a two-part series on the Houlton Community Market. The first part appeared in last week’s edition.
The Houlton Community Market offers a one-stop-shop for purchasing healthy and affordable foods for individuals across all income levels.
Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, visitors to Houlton’s Market Square can find locally-grown grains, fresh organic fruit and vegetables, artisanal breads, cheese and jellies, along with handmade jewelry, crafts and other one-of-a-kind items. Attracting market-goers from southern Aroostook and beyond, the Houlton Community Market has subtly yet significantly improved the health of the town of Houlton and its residents.
The market provides a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese and other goods that are grown locally in southern Aroostook, and therefore are not subject to high transportation costs. By keeping produce local, the food is fresh and the fruits and vegetables are offered for sale at their peak of ripeness and height of nutritional content so consumers can be confident that their purchases are made in the best interest of personal health. Additionally, “The market offers many types of veggies and specialty products (raw milk, granola, goat cheese, etc.) that aren’t generally available in town,” states Market Master Rob Lawless of Took A Leap Farm.
“We really focus on nutritious vegetables and food,” states second generation organic farmer and Market vendor Wilson Hilty. “Good health is more than just choosing the right diet. There’s a number of people out there who study the connection between the quality of the food we eat and our health. We spend a lot of time and effort on improving the quality of the soil.”
Jacquie Morse of Bee Morse Farm sees a big benefit to purchasing locally-grown produce, and notes that “When you purchase produce at the Market, you can actually taste the difference because our farmers pick varieties based on their taste, not on how well they ship. Having your food being harvested the same day? Priceless.”
The Houlton Community Market offers shoppers the chance to converse directly with—and get to know—the farmer who grew the produce, or the baker who personally baked the breads or pastries, and therefore customers can find out the story behind each product. Market vendors are experts in the goods they sell, and they are always happy to share different recipes, cooking methods or ways to best utilize their product. This personal connection adds a level of assurance when making a purchase, since you know the origin of your food or product and how it has been nurtured or prepared. Jerry Doxdader of Bark-Eater Farm sums it up well, with “Meet your grower; buy with confidence.”
It is the Market’s combination of personal interaction between farmers and consumers that helps expand the palate of area residents. Offering samples has proven to be a great way to appeal to new consumers, who may not have had opportunities to try certain types of foods.
Barb London has found that “shoppers are intrigued by my wildflower jellies and honey, and are eager to try them, especially my lilac or dandelion jelly. Our customers always have many questions and comments on our products.” London is proud to sell her jellies and honey at the Market alongside her mother, Eleanor Schools, who offers pickles. “My mother and I represent the new and the old, so to speak. She makes pickles and relishes using recipes from generations past, which the customers love. I am the ‘jelly lady’ and she is the ‘pickle lady’.”
Rob Lawless of Took A Leap Farm appreciates the opportunity to educate consumers about the basics of his product. “We sell goat cheese. Many people have either no knowledge or a negative image of our product. By offering samples and talking to people about our products, we have made many converts.” Lawless mentions occasions when customers “announce that they don’t like goat cheese, only to try ours and turn around and buy some.”
In a testament to how a direct conversation between vendor and customer can be educational and beneficial to both parties, vendor Angie Wotton of West Berry Farm recently highlighted the steps of a recipe that involved blanching fresh fava beans. Thus convinced, market shopper Frank Sullivan purchased her last bag of fava beans. “I’m not afraid of a little work if it means good food,” Sullivan said.
Tammie Mulvey, of Pleasant View Tree Farm, believes it is extremely valuable to know her customers. “I would love to get to know you, and have you get to know me, and what we have to offer,” she said. “We are more than just a place to get your Christmas tree, we want to bring some beauty into your life.” As with many of the vendors at Houlton Community Market, Mulvey exhibits a clear passion for the products she offers. “We sell quality products that are well taken care of, and we give you as much information as possible, and are always willing to reach out to secure more, if needed. Most importantly, everything comes with a smile – because our customers are important to us, and cared about.”
Purchasing directly from local farmers and vendors at the Houlton Community Market considerably helps support local agriculture, as well as the local economy. Through community support of local farms and businesses, these producers are able to continue to generate their goods and employ area residents, which keeps money locally-held and leads to a more economically stable community. “The Market has given many vendors the means to sell their wares in a common area that customers can easily find and access,” said Jill Plummer of Let’s Jewel Around. “Some of the vendors would have a more difficult time selling their products since they would not otherwise have the opportunity for such exposure. I also think the draw of crowds to the Community Market has helped businesses in Market Square to gain some renewed prominence.” Lastly, in light of the poor state of the economy, Lawless observes, “The Houlton Community Market represents a positive thing, a success story in the town.”
The Community Market has generated such strong support and interest that the idea for a Houlton-based Co-op was born. During the winter months when the Community Market is not in session, area residents can visit the recently opened County Co-op and Farm Store, located at 53 Main Street, which borders Market Square.
Open Monday-Saturday from 7 a.m.-2 p.m., the Co-op offers a variety of locally-made goods supplied by many of the same farmers and producers that frequent the Community Market. Shoppers can choose from a selection of locally produced, natural and sustainable goods including breads, freshly squeezed juices, healthy smoothies and coffee along with locally-grown and milled grains, honey, jellies, and other specialty handcrafted items. For more information, please “Like” The County Co-op and Farm Store on Facebook.
Regardless of whether you visit the Houlton Community Market in search of fresh produce, crafts or other hand-made items, your Saturday morning mingling with vendors and shoppers is time well spent. For more information, please “Like” Houlton Community Market on Facebook.
In the words of Morse, you can walk away confident that your purchase is “always fresh, always local and better yet, it’s Made in Maine!” And that is something of which we can all be proud.
