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The USDA Farmers Market is a "living laboratory," dedicated to providing opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and small businesses to sell their products to those living in and visiting our Nation's capital.
 Farmers Market vendors are the heart and soul of the community. We miss ours dearly and know you do too! Check out this week's vendor spotlight!
Grace’s Pastries, based in Herndon Virginia, has been in operation for almost 30 years and is the vendor with the longest standing at the market. This family business was birthed from a love for baking. Grace Banahene, a dedicated mother of four boys, contributes her success to her love for what she does. She contributes the growth of her business to her positive experience at the market. Grace believes that “either you do it good, or you don’t do it at all.” The USDA Farmers Market is grateful to have vendors like Grace’s Pastries and would like thank Grace and her team for their years of service.
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Connecting with USDA Farmers Market Vendors
Although the opening of the market is delayed, we would love for you still have a way to contact your favorite vendors. Here is a link to containing that information as well as some markets our vendors are currently servicing: Vendor Information.pdf
 Produce of the week: Strawberry
HOW TO...
Grow: Strawberries are in season in spring and summer. They require full fun, rich soil, and adequate space. When planting, the roots should be covered with soil but do not cover the crown.
Pick: Strawberries are ready to pick when they are deep red all over. In addition, the riper the strawberry, the sweeter it will smell. Strawberries that are not ripe will not have a strong scent.
Prepare: Strawberries are favored for their versatility and taste. They add a boost of color and sweetness to any meal: tossed into cereal for breakfast, yogurt for a snack, spinach salad for lunch/dinner or even baked into strawberry desserts.
Store: Don’t rinse strawberries prior to storage, as this can encourage bacteria or mold growth. Before storing, check berries for mold. Remove any berries with mold because it can spread to the other berries. Strawberries store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Keep refrigerated and dry until ready to serve.
Easy Strawberry Vinaigrette
Ingredients
8 ounces frozen strawberries
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
Blend strawberries, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper together in a blender until smooth. Add to your favorite salad or vegetables and enjoy.
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 USDA has a diverse community of employees that contribute to a culturally rich environment. “Community Corner” explores the influences of cultural heritage and tradition through the lens of USDA Farmers Market’s stakeholders, customers, and neighbors.
Farmers markets benefit local farmers, shoppers and communities. One such community member is, USDA family member Aline Assad. Aline works at the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) as a Training Specialist. Ms. Assad grew up eating fresh fruits and vegetables that were either harvested from her family’s farm or purchased at the local farmers market. She makes it a point to share her passion and respect of fresh ingredients with her family by cooking “good and hearty” meals. She believes the key to staying healthy and on budget is to only eat food that is locally grown and in season, like you would find at the USDA Farmers Market.
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Each issue The USDA Farmers Market will share stories of how individuals have been impacted by the market. Stories can be submitted to: Shalon.Santana@usda.gov
 Adapting Farmers Markets for Social Distancing
Farmers markets across the country have had to find creative ways to adapt to social distancing guidelines. This sketch, created by architect our AMS Market Design Team, is an example of how a booth can be set up to allow for social distancing while still offering customer interaction and purchasing of foods.
Our market design team help wholesale market, farmers market, incubator kitchen, food hubs, etc. around the country develop designs and layouts as they construct or remodel their facilities.
 (This sketch was drawn by Ron Batcher, AIA, architect for the Wholesale Market and Facility Design team, Transportation & Marketing Services, Agricultural Marketing Service, US Department of Agriculture. This illustration is based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for Social Distancing for Coronavirus Disease. It is not intended to replace guidance from authorities where a particular food market is located. For further information, see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html.)
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Did you know that the USDA is a great nutritional resource for kids? The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion’s MyPlate Kids' Place site is a great resource for kids, parents, and teachers. Resources include games, activity sheets, kid-friendly recipes, and physical activity tips. Want to learn about foods that keep your child healthy? Looking for healthy snacks for kids? Check out these resources! https://www.choosemyplate.gov/browse-by-audience/view-all-audiences/children/kids |
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