Athens Farmers Market Goes Big For National Food Day 2012

Each new market brings something different than the one before it. Whether it's a new flavor of delicious homemade cookie at Mama Bird’s stand or an impromptu join-along drum circle on the steps of City Hall, you are never quite certain what a little grocery shopping might bring. Unfortunately, each market also brings us one week closer to the end of the Athens Farmers Market season.  Yes, the impending doom of the frosty winter is on the horizon and the glorious fall days are quickly slipping by.

But don’t worry, Market Family, we still have a couple of things up our sleeve. We will NOT go out without a bang!  Wednesday, October 24th is National Food Day, and you better believe AFM is doing it big this year. 

Food Day is a nationwide celebration and movement advocating for affordable and sustainable food. On Wednesday, October 24th, thousands of events will take place around the country to show support for a food system that does not begin in a factory farm and end on a dollar menu. The goal of Food Day is to bring together organizations and individuals to work on diverse food-centered issues such as nutrition, hunger, agriculture policy, animal welfare, and farm worker justice, and mobilize them towards sustainable results. It is a wonderful opportunity to educate the public and to cast your unofficial vote to policymakers. 

So what does the Ol’ Athens Farmer's Market have in store for this joyous holiday?

I am so glad you asked!

HOMETOWN THROWDOWN Cooking Competition

 Accomplished home cooks battle Athens' finest chefs with local market produce as their inspiration in an Iron Chef-style competition. Mixed doubles - one home cook and one restaurant cook each on a team - starring Nathan Brand of The National, Aaron Phillips of the Last Resort, Zachary Burgess from Our Daily Bread, and others. Come cheer on your favorite team!

Five for Food Day Auction

Buy 5 different products from our market growers on October 24 and you'll be eligible for a $50 market gift certificate, free tote bags and bus passes, a gift certificate to Farm 255, and more. Eat your fruits and veggies!

Family Activities including face painting and live music!

Make sure to come out and celebrate National Food Day 2012 with the Athens Farmers Market on October 24th. Together, we can push for a more nutritious, sustainable and humane food system for our community and the nation at large... or at least come get your face painted!