• Check out what’s fresh at the CCFM
    Check out what’s fresh at the CCFM
  • Kid Chef Eliana visits the CCFM
    Kid Chef Eliana visits the CCFM
  • Sunny day at the CCFM
    Sunny day at the CCFM
  • Smiles are free at the CCFM
    Smiles are free at the CCFM
  • Find some buds at the CCFM
    Find some buds at the CCFM

 

market morsels

MLK Day with CCFM: Food Justice in our Foodway | January 16, 2023

Fresh & Local:

MLK Day with CCFM: Food Justice in our Foodway

“And before you finish eating breakfast in the morning, you’ve depended on more than half of the world. This is the way our universe is structured, this is its interrelated quality.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.

As we reflect today on the profound impact that Dr. King has had both nationally and globally, this quote reminds us that there are so many ways that food can be a vehicle to bring people from all backgrounds together. At Market Umbrella, we work hard to attract vendors to Crescent City Farmers Markets whose offerings represent the tapestry of foodways and cultures of the Greater New Orleans area. We pride ourselves on creating a community meeting place, where people from every part of New Orleans can connect around something that is both a joy and a necessity for us all: food.

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting equity and racial justice in our community, Market Umbrella concluded a Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) assessment and planning process in September 2022, and are working hard to put what we have learned into action. This process included feedback from a variety of stakeholders including program participants, vendors, and other non-profit organizations. We have woven DEAI goals and objectives into all parts of our new strategic plan, with a goal of increasing diversity, equity, inclusion and access for all Market Umbrella stakeholders, including integrating an anti-racist approach into all internal and external Market Umbrella activities.

We strive to create an experience that is welcoming, relevant, and accessible for vendors, shoppers, and farmers of all backgrounds, abilities, and interests. We always want to keep learning and growing, and welcome your feedback. Feel free to reach out and tell us how we are doing! You can always email me at cordelia@marketumbrella.org.

- Cordelia Heaney, Executive Director, Market Umbrella

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Picks of the Week:

Two new USDA Grants will help support local food marketing

Market Umbrella is thrilled to be awarded two new USDA grants this past fall. One, a Farmers Market Promotion Program grant, focuses on work supporting the marketing needs of CCFM vendors and on exploring new ways for Market Umbrella to reach community members and let them know about all the great things going on at CCFM markets! The second, a Regional Food System Partnership grant, helps Market Umbrella to convene a group of diverse public-private partners from various parts of the local food system, including food production, direct-to-consumer markets, local food promotion, environmental policy, producer support, food distribution, and higher education. As part of this grant, we will be working on identifying ways to market and promote our region’s unique food culture. Stay tuned for more news on these two important projects!

pick of the week

pick of the week

Market Mommas Club Made Possible by LHCC!

In 2022, Market Umbrella became a Community Health Grant Partner with Louisiana Healthcare Connections! We are so grateful for LHCC's support; it makes Market Mommas Club possible. Market Mommas Club connects eligible breastfeeding parents with support groups and offers $60 per month for up to 6 months to spend at the market. Enrollment for Market Mommas Club is now open! To sign up or learn more about Market Mommas Club, click here!

Greaux the Good Announces Partners!

Greaux the Good, Louisiana’s new statewide nutrition incentive program, has added five partners throughout the state! Our current partner locations include:

  • Boyce Farmers Market in Boyce
  • Camellia City Farmers Market in Slidell
  • Crescent City Farmers Markets in New Orleans
  • Fightingville Fresh Market in Lafayette
  • St. Helena Farmers Market in Greensburg

These partners have either already started operating a Market Match program through Greaux the Good or will begin doubling SNAP dollars soon! Greaux the Good is still looking to add more partners—if your organization qualifies as an eligible entity, we encourage you to complete our Partner Interest Form here!

pick of the week

vendor of the week

Vendor of the Week:

White Sand Homestead

Lamb, pork, and eggs, oh my! White Sand Homestead Farm joined CCFM just before the New Year, and we are so glad they did! Run by Aaron Snelling and his father, White Sand Homestead Farm began as a pecan orchard five years ago and has since grown into a small farm. Aaron was inspired to make a difference after his experiences in the farm, food, and service industries and now uses sustainable techniques and organic principles on his farm. Aaron’s pigs eat pecans, acorns, and various forage plants like daikon or mustard greens while exploring and living happily on the acres of the farm! White Sand Homestead Farm is eager to join the CCFM community and share their high-quality products with all customers! Find them at every Sunday City Park Market, offering a delicious variety of exceptional meats and eggs.

Recipe of the Week:

White Sand Homestead Farm’s Bolognese

Few foods are as warming to the body and soul as pasta with hearty, homemade sauce! This recipe from White Sand Homestead Farm uses tomato, pork, veggies, and pantry staples to create the chunky, delicious meat sauce we all know and love. We recommend eating bolognese with a noodle that is thick and sturdy enough to hold the sauce–for reference, it is traditionally eaten with tagliatelle. Enjoy this sauce over your favorite market-fresh pasta for a meal that will keep you warm and happy through the rest of winter!

What’s your favorite dish to make after visiting the Crescent City Farmers Market? Share your recipes with us on Instagram or Facebook and it might be featured in our weekly newsletter!

recipe of the week

vendor of the week

King Cake of the Week:

Leo’s Bread’s Ricotta Chocolate,
Orange King Cake

Each week during Carnival, we will be featuring one of the many King Cakes available at market. This week, we're dreaming about Leo's Bread's Ricotta, Chocolate, and Orange King Cake. Topped with candied citrus and filled with rich, sweet layers of chocolate and flaky dough, this King Cake makes our mouths water! The addition of ricotta adds a fluffy creaminess that rounds out the whole cake. Try a slice at market or order a whole one--no matter how much you get, you'll want more! See all available King Cakes on our 2023 King Cake Guide!

 

About Us

Market UmbrellaMarket Umbrella is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3), based in New Orleans, whose mission is to cultivate the power of farmers markets to drive economic and community health in the region. Market Umbrella has operated the Crescent City Farmers Markets (CCFM) since 1995.

Crescent City Farmers MarketThe Crescent City Farmers Market operates weekly year-round throughout New Orleans. The CCFM hosts 70+ local small farmers, fishers, and food producers, and more than 150,000 shoppers annually.