Too Much Rain? a bit of “Acorn” news

Submitted by Acorn Farmers’ Market board

After four days of almost constant rain while camping – I was beginning to complain – like many of you!!

Well, after hearing about the crisis Michigan farmers are facing, we should not be complaining. As of June 9, farmers have had only 3.5 days that were good for working fields – a true crisis situation. The USDA has announced some relief for Michigan farmers but this mostly applies to large farmers planting corn, beans, etc. We have an opportunity to help our local small farmers this year by buying what they sell – even if it is a little more expensive that similar items in big box stores. The benefit to you is food
with higher nutrition and you will be helping out neighbors also.

Last Thursday (another rainy day!) at the Manchester Farmers Market, there were ingredients to very healthy meals. Romaine lettuce, radishes, new potatoes (red and white), asparagus, strawberries, and more. Fusiliers out on Herman Road has a farm store open every day.

Acorn Farmers’ Market & Café will be a non-profit food store in Manchester next spring. The business model for Acorn also helps farmers out. Farmers typically receive 14 cents for each produce dollar sold at a regular grocery store. With the Acorn model (also Argus in Ann Arbor and the soon-opening Agricole in Chelsea), the farmers receive 70-75 cents per dollar of items sold.

The address will be 327 W. Main. To follow progress on this new food store which will sell locally grown produce, meat, dairy, eggs and more – all produce by local farmers go to the web site, www.acornfarmersmarketcafe.org and like us on Facebook @ Acorn Farmers’ Market and Café. Donations to help get this non-profit store opened are very much appreciated – send checks to Acorn Farmers’ Market & Café, PO Box 794, Manchester, MI 48158.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.