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You’ve heard all of the hype of cooking with seasonal and local ingredients. And there are reasons for it: it’s healthier, eco-friendly and it reconnects people with, not only their food and planet, but each other. I like to cook; otherwise, I wouldn’t be doing what I do. And I only want to offer myself and others the best – needless to say, I’m a believer.

So, when I heard that New Orleans had its own urban farm, I faithfully rose early on a Saturday morning (something I usually refuse to do) and made my way to Olive Street. I discovered a small, but charming community. Neighbors and market workers made pleasant exchanges – in conversation, goods and provisions. I scanned the array of produce, meats, preserves, eggs and bread. I checked out their book and recipe swap. And before leaving, made my purchases and perused through the farm.

Hollygrove Market and Farm “is a non-profit retail store selling locally-grown and organic produce, as well as a training location for residents interested in organic urban farming.” I volunteered at Hollygrove this past Saturday, in hopes of being exposed to ingredients that have yet to be realized by my senses. And amongst my work of bunching green onions that day, I discovered a few things, purple pak choi and red mustard greens. At the end of my 3 hour shift, I was rewarded with a bag of “Buyer’s Club” produce. The Buyer’s Club isn’t really something that requires membership; instead, it’s simply an assembled box of allotted groceries, sold for $25 (there is usually enough for 2 people).

I left feeling productive and accomplished with my doing of goodwill. However, I know what I did was nothing compared to the devotees of Hollygrove. I only hope that this is just the beginning of a lasting relationship!

For more information about Hollygrove Market and Farm, you can visit their Web site at http://hollygrovemarketandfarm.wordpress.com/about/. Check out some of the images above. All photograhs were provided by John Burns.

Filed Under: Cool Stuff, Food Finds, Food Talk, Food-Related Random