"To Sustain"- verb; to strengthen or support physically or mentally

"Sustainable" has become a buzz-word, and that often leads to becoming cliche. Sustainable agriculture is not just a fancy way of charging more for product, it's a process that strengthens and supports all forms of life on a farm. Surrounding land is often improved as well, from the increase in beneficial insect life and reduced run off of noxious chemicals and waste. If we are going to leave some part of the earth in better shape than we found it, buying from small (or large!) farms that work to support and strengthen their environments is smart.

If the upfront cost is a little higher, you can be assured that the long term cost is lower- no need to remediate poisoned soil or groundwater, farm workers not exposed to dangerous sprays will need fewer medical interventions and migrating birds, insects and other life will keep habitats in their ecological zone in better shape. An example- monarch butterflys rely on milkweed plant as their only food source. New strains of GMO corn and soybeans that are resistant to herbicide make it easier for conventional farmers to spray large amounts of weed-killer without damaging their cash crops- but important weeds like milkweed are completely removed from the environment. Large mono-culture farms (farms that grow one variety of something) are dependent on these easy fixes- they have thousands of acres to tend. Smaller farms control weeds in more sustainable (remember- strengthening and supporting?) ways- they mulch, practice crop rotation, and support biodiversity in plant and animal species on their land.

These are some of the reasons I select sustainably produced products every time I can. The meats you'll enjoy at our truck are humanely raised at farms that are good stewards of the land. If you want to enjoy the same quality meat for all of your other meals, check out this convenient delivery source:
https://www.aglocal.com/products
They supply from many of the same ranchers I use, and you'll get a great selection of high quality meat.

If you don't have time to browse the farmer's markets, my favorite source for local fruits and veggies is:
http://www.farmfreshtoyou.com

It is our goal to sustain our local community by providing great food from great sources. Thanks for supporting us!


Sources:
http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/issues/304/pollinators-and-pesticides/monarch-decline-and-ge-crops#
http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/pubs-and-papers/2003-08-weed-management-organic-farmers

The end of summer is a bitter sweet season- the heavy harvest of summer produce starts to wane, days become shorter and bright, hot days are replaced with the mild, diffused light of the low angled sun. I love summer and it's brash, prolonged exuberance. The heat, the light, the abundance and the relaxed shape of the week suit my personality perfectly. However, the circle of days continues, and I gradually begin to appreciate the produce of fall. Kabocha pumpkins and crisp kale abound at the farmer's market. Shoulder season tomatoes sit along side bumper crops of apples of many varieties. Chilly mornings give opportunity to sit with a blanket on the deck contemplating cookbooks new and old. Cinnamon and cardamom replace basil and tarragon in my dreams.

Menus at the truck will shift to reflect the season soon. Spiced tomato jam that perks up the pulled pork sliders will give way to apple compote (or pear, maybe?). The amazing paella we've been doing on the gas burner will be replaced with pot au feu, featuring organic grass fed beef from our supplier at Open Space Meats. Soon. Soon enough. If you have any requests for our fall menu, leave a comment below!