Business Profile: Homewood Kitchen Gardens

Why did you and Nancy choose to be part of the ?

We launched Homewood Kitchen Gardens three years ago, specifically to sell at the Homewood Farmer's Market. We've since expanded to sales at other markets & fairs and special orders, but the Homewood market remains our primary venue.

Do you think the market has grown as a local destination spot over the past few years?

Yes, the market has absolutely grown as a destination. A lot of the things that have been new or more developed this year have contributed to this. The Touch of Green events have always been popular, and this year we've added live music (thanks to South Sub Music) and family-oriented events (thanks to sponsorship of local businesses , JoAnn's Fabrics, ).

Have you noticed more of an interest that people do want to shop local and organic?

We certainly have a core group of customers that place high priority
on shopping for locally-grown, organic produce.

Why should we eat local and organic?

Well, I'd hesitate to tell anyone they should but I'd say our
customers feel it's important to keep their dollars circulating in the
local community, especially in tough economics times like we're in
now. And they appreciate the health benefits from eating fresh,
locally-grown food that's free of pesticides. They know fresh food
simply tastes better! And our customers enjoy the unusual and heirloom varieties that we bring to the Market. Many of our produce varieties can't be sold in large commercial venues because they can't be packaged & sent long distances without spoiling. As a former
biologist, I like being able to contribute to environmental diversity
by growing crop varieties that are not widely available. People also
like  knowing they are reducing their carbon footprint by buying
locally-grown food.

What's been your favorite part of participating in the Farmer's Market?

Oh, that's a softball question! Easily, our customers. We've made so
many new friends and met such interesting members of our community through the Market.

Will you be back next year?

Definitely.

Where do you shop and eat locally?

I love this question. Keeping things local is a big deal for me. I
figure 95%+ of my expenditures go to local businesses. When I
refinanced my mortgage, I deliberately went from a big bank to a local
business (). It's fantastic to pick up the phone and
talk to the account manager that dealt with my mortgage, not an
anonymous person somewhere overseas. I really appreciate local
businesses that give back to the community. Some that come to mind
are , , and , but there are many more.
Other businesses that are faves of my family are Thai Rickshaw, , , , , & . Love the hot Italian sausage at We also participate in a lot of the great programs, and love !