The Weblog
The local foods movement is alive and well in Champaign County! Here are some updates on other projects while we finalize our virtual market:
Local Producers Map:
Our local producers map is ready for publication and you will soon be able to find it on gochampaign.com. Copies will be distributed around the community, in the local telephone book, and other “hangouts”. The guide lists the location and contact information for nearly 50 local producers within our county. The map was a project of the Local Food Council and printed with the help of some local sponsors including the Monument Square District, Champaign Bank, the Community Improvement Corporation, the Chamber of Commerce, the Farm Bureau and others. It is a great start to finding a local source for Champaign County’s finest!
Morning Song
‘Cause even though I know there’s hope in
Every morning song
I have to find that melody alone…
(Morning Song-The Avett Brothers)
Just sitting here, with coffee, listening to slow Monday tunes, working on lists for the day, and thinking about this market.
Actually, as I look into my morning coffee cup, I am thinking of how each of my days begins, ends, and runs with items from the this market.
The other day, I broke down my salad, and gave you a ton of options to go pair with it, all from this market.
Today, as I sip my coffee, once again, I am so happy for this market, and once again, I am enjoying the labors of the market.
My toast is well, shameless plug for me, but it’s sliced Cosmic Whole Wheat, toasted, and topped with a drizzle of syrup from Valley View Woodlands. On the side, I have a sliced peach from Champaign Berry Farm, and in my cup, Hemisphere’s Jamaican Me Crazy coffee, that comes to us, not only from their coffee roasting/coffeehouse, in Mechanicsburg, but via our own local coffee house, and newest vendor, Spotted Cow Coffeehouse!!
And, with that, I thought I would copy this for them…
Bobbi Custer was inspired to open The Spotted Cow Coffeehouse by her brothers, Eric and Levi, who both have Down’s syndrome. In 2013, Custer put full effort toward her overall vision: a workplace opportunity for her brothers and those with similar abilities to thrive with the motivation that their dreams are of genuine worth too. Downsize Farm and Hemisphere Coffee Roasters have been valuable contributors to the Spotted Cow vision. CEO of Downsize Farm and Bobbi’s father, Bob Custer, set the cornerstone for SCC’s opening. Bob Custer provided powerful mentoring and advice with focus in business and The Department of Developmental Abilities alike. Likewise, Paul and Grace Kurtz of Hemisphere Coffee Roasters have been a viable resources because of knowledge in the industry. Hemisphere Coffee Roasters is the sole supplier of coffee for The Spotted Cow Coffeehouse. The Spotted Cow Coffeehouse feels that with this team, as well as many other partners, can fulfill their overall vision, to be the spot in the community that contributes to opportunity.
And, with great pride, my Cosmic breads provide a few of their lunch sandwiches. I am proud to be part of their team, their community vision, to be a local link up to the ‘burg with Hemisphere’s, and as their market manager, here.
Just another local piece of heart and soul, coming straight from this market…
Make sure to check out all of our market selections, growers, vendors…we all have a story, a vision, and determination…
XOXO,
Cosmic Pam