You can learn a lot of things at the Franklin Farmers Market like what an heirloom vegetable is or what a does a “pastured” chicken mean. But this past Saturday at the market, you could also learn how to change the world and make it a better place to live. The 6th grade honors science class students from Freedom Intermediate School were at the market to share information on how to make a difference in the environment. The students also had important info to share about radon gas and why we should all worry about the future of bees.
Radon, the Silent Killer Exhibit
Their teacher, Barbara Orr explains:
The benefits of Rain Gardens
The students’ info and presentation were a part of the Siemens Discovery Education “We Can Change the World Challenge”, a national environmental sustainability competition for students. Through project-based lessons, students learn about science and conservation while creating sustainable environmental improvements in their communities. From wind energy to rain gardens and much more, the students of Freedom Intermediate School taught us a lot this past weekend. We think their “We Can Change the World” project definitely earned an A-plus!
It was a cold and windy day, but that didn’t bother us at the Franklin Farmers Market this past Saturday. Okay, that’s not quite true because it was really chilly, but it certainly didn’t keep our farmers from bringing you the best in winter vegetables, like carrots, squash and potatoes.
Winter greens from Paradise Produce
Carrots, collards, cabbage and potatoes from Kirkview Farm
Fresh organic cabbage from Delvin Farm
Tennessee farm grown lettuces from Norton Family Farm
Tennessee families picking up farm fresh produce
And even though it was a cold day, there was plenty at the market to warm you up. Lots of folks were munching warm treats from Ellie’s Old Fashion Donuts or enjoying one of Jones Mill Farms’ hot homemade rolls with Triple L Sausage.
Gotta have my Ellie’s Old Fashioned Doughnut!
Fresh baked, hot and ready Sourdough roll with Triple L Sausage from Jones Mill Farm
And there were lots of veggies that people were taking home to create their own warm comfort food. For example, fresh carrots from Paradise Produce, along with cabbage from Delvin Farms were being bought to make homemade soup. You can view pictures from Saturday’s market here.
Just picked Carrots, Kale, lettuces and spinach from Paradise Produce
Fresh beets from Paradise Produce
Those who didn’t want to make their own took a delicious shortcut and took home some of Flying S Farms yummy soups. There’s nothing quite like a bowl of hot grits to warm you up and bags of Beaverdam Creek Farm’s stone-ground grits were being snatched up in a hurry. So yes, it was cold and windy, but the trip to the market was worth it to load up ongood food for chilly winter weather.
After market lunch of Triple L Ranch Ribeye, Delvin Farm organic Brussels Sprouts and Potato Soup from Jones Mill Farm…Nothing better on a cold day!
Farm Preserves, Jams and Jellies from Jones Mill Farm
Farm baked Breads from Jones Mill Farm
Fresh Baked Pies from Geraldine
Kenny’s Cheeses from Moonshadow Farm
It’s a new year and with it comes a few reminders from the market – First, winter market hours have changed. The winter market is now open from 9am – noon and will remain that way until spring. Second, the “no dogs at the market” rule is now in effect, so please leave your pets at home. And third, don’t forget to vote for the best name for the little calf at Triple L Ranch. You can get the complete story on the calf and vote for his name by clicking here.
Finally, it is with great sadness that we say goodbye to one of our own at the market. Ed Johnson, the patriarch of Johnson’s Honey Farm passed away this weekend. Having the best honey in Tennessee was a passion of Mr. Johnson’s and it showed in the honey his bees produced. Bees have been a part of Mr. Johnson’s farm since 1918, making Paula Morton, his daughter and familiar figure at the market a 3rd generation beekeeper. Our hearts, prayers and sympathies go out to the Johnson family.
Ed Johnson of Johnson’s Honey Farm will be missed by the entire state of Tennessee and beyond, including farmers from all over the world. His family will continue his legacy.
