FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 26, 2011
Purple Porch Co-op Named as one of Top 5 Favorite
Farmers Markets in Indiana
Purple Porch Co-op was recently voted as the 1st of 5 leading farmers markets in Indiana. In this year’s contest more than 90,000 farmers market shoppers voted for more than 1,700 participating farmers markets in American Farmland Trust’s third annual contest.
Here is what three voters for the Purple Porch Co-op had to say about why it should be named one of America’s Favorite Farmers Markets:
“I have been a member of Purple Porch for three years now. I love knowing where the food I feed my family comes from, and what their growing practices are. It's important to me to support local farmers, rather than purchasing my meats, produce, and other items from big box retailers who ship their products from other areas. I know the quality of the food that I am purchasing from the co-op. My six year old loves to come to "the porch" with me and pick out foods that he likes, as well as try new things.”
“Great local produce at reasonable prices and very convenient: order online, pick up in easy bicycling distance.”
“Our market co-op is full of warm, welcoming, caring individuals that are very excited about the local foods movement. I've not only found a source for wonderful food, but have forged new friendships as well.”
According to the recent release of the updated U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s farmers market directory, the number of farmers markets across the nation increased by 17 percent between 2010 and 2011. Support for farmers markets helps to provide income opportunities for farmers. The rising interest for local food from nearby farms highlights the value of protecting farmland to meet demand.
The America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest is a part of American Farmland Trust’s No Farms No Food® campaign, which raises awareness of the dangers of farmland loss by making connections to food. Farms near metropolitan areas produce 91 percent of the nation’s market value of fruit, 78 percent of vegetables, and 67 percent of dairy products.
To view the top-five in Indiana leader-board in the America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest, visit http://www.farmland.org/americas-favorite-farmers-markets-states.asp#IN.
