Janice Marsh-Prelesnik has worked as an herbalist, home birth midwife, and massage therapist in the greater Kalamazoo community since 1987. You can contact Janice at 269.665.7797, or visit on the web at www.grannyjannyherbs.com

Check Out these June 2007 classes! June 2, 23: In The Garden at Granny Janny Herbs in Galesburg; 9 am-4 pm Charge; June 4, July 2: First Monday Herb Gathering at Granny Janny Herbs in Galesburg ; 6:30-8:30 pm Charge

The Kalamazoo Bank Street Farmer’s Market, located at 1204 Bank Street (between Lake Street and Stockbridge Avenue), is celebrating its 60th birthday on June 16th. Come on down to the market on the 16th, and join in a community celebration and enjoy music and entertainment while shopping. It’s sure to be a great day!

 

Celebrate LOCAL FOODS AND FRESH GOODS
By Janice Marsh-Prelesnik

IT’S TIME ONCE AGAIN to head on down to your local Farmer’s Market for some food grown right here in southwest Michigan! You can be assured that when you eat food from a Farmer’s Market you are providing the healthiest foods possible for you and your family. Most food found at the farmer’s market is minimally processed and many of our farmers go to great lengths to grow the most nutritious produce possible by building their soil’s fertility and giving their crops the nutrients they need to flourish in the ground and nourish those who eat them. For added benefits many foods and herbs are grown organically in southwest Michigan now.

In season, you’ll find asparagus, berries, cherries, peaches, apples, potatoes, tomatoes, medicinal and culinary herbs, sweet corn, squash, free-range eggs, free range and grass fed meats, greens, lettuce and veggies, perennials, homemade bread, jams, jellies, granola, pies, and hand made items. And this is just a partial list of all that is available to us!

We are fortunate to live in such a fertile area that supplies all of our food needs. By choosing locally grown fresh food you are supporting family farms and sustainable living. Fresh food tastes best and is full of vitality. Think about the flavor of a just picked vine ripened tomato compared to a store bought tomato.

Did you know that of all the 50 states Michigan is second only to California in the varieties of foods grown? Buying locally grown food reduces the amount of fossil fuels used in transportation, strengthens local economy, and puts healthier, more nutritious foods on your table.

Farmer’s Markets are not only great for fresh nutritious foods and herbs, they are also great for the soul. It is satisfying to meet the farmer that grew your food, or the herbalist that prepared a remedy just for you. Being in the fresh air and sunshine reminds us of what is wholesome and great about the place we live. Buying seasonal produce connects us with the seasons and biological order while promoting a sense of community and of celebration. No matter where you are in southwest Michigan you are sure to find a Farmer’s Market near you. Enjoy!

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