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A family tradition: Melissa Breene Jordan and her husband, Matt Jordan run the 50-cow milking operation at Breene Hollow Farm. / DEM photo
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News Bites: Farm Fresh RI Receives Grant / RI Outstanding Dairy Farm 2018 / Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co. Wins Beer Award

by David Dadekian May 9, 2019
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.



$4.6M Grant to Farm Fresh RI a Big Win for New England’s Food System

Courtesy Farm Fresh Rhode Island
Courtesy Farm Fresh Rhode Island

This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced a $4,628,765 grant awarded to local nonprofit Farm Fresh RI to expand its work increasing access to fresh, locally grown foods across New England. For Rhode Islanders who receive federal food assistance in the form of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, this means more dollars to spend on fresh food. The grant is being used to increase Farm Fresh RI’s existing Bonus Bucks nutrition incentives program to offer an impressive 100% match for SNAP users at select Rhode Island farmers markets, CSAs, and farm stands — doubling the purchasing power of low-income Rhode Islanders to buy more nutritious foods and re-investing those federal dollars into the Rhode Island economy by directly supporting local growers and food businesses. As impactful as this one-to-one match is for the Ocean State, the grant has wide-reaching benefits across the New England region. Marking a new chapter in Farm Fresh RI’s work out of state, the grant now empowers Farm Fresh RI to support the nutrition incentives programs offered by Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont as well, through the creation of the New England Nutrition Incentive Collaborative (NENIC).

“We are very pleased that we were able to receive this funding, and support two key constituencies: local growers and our neighbors in need of nutrition assistance.” said Sheri Griffin, Co-Executive Director of Farm Fresh RI. “This connection is at the core of our mission. We are also very excited to support our colleagues across New England who are partners on this ambitious project.”

The grant awarded to Farm Fresh RI, administered by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) program and authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, is the largest of 24 grants totaling $21M awarded nationwide by the USDA this week.

“Fresh, nutritious, and locally grown fruits and vegetables should be accessible to everybody, and I’m glad to see the USDA provide Farm Fresh RI the funding for this project,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed. In May, Senator Reed wrote a letter to the USDA in support of Farm Fresh RI’s grant application. “The incentives NENIC will provide to encourage the purchase of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables at farmers markets lead to healthier lifestyles for SNAP recipients while at the same time boosting our state’s agricultural economy. This is truly a win-win for Rhode Island. I congratulate Farm Fresh RI for receiving this funding, and I will continue my work to ensure that all Rhode Islanders have greater access to nutritious and affordable foods.”

Farmers markets play an important role in increasing the availability and accessibility of local foods. They offer more places for local farmers and producers to sell their products, and invite the local community to gather over a variety of fresh foods in their own neighborhoods. In summertime, over 40 farmers markets across Rhode Island not only provide eaters with a reliable source for nutritious, locally sourced options but help build community, protect greenspace, and grow the potential for job creation in Rhode Island by directing food dollars to marketplaces that support local farms and food businesses. Nutrition incentives, like Farm Fresh RI’s Bonus Bucks and the similar programs offered by other NENIC states, enable a greater percentage of the community to take part — putting fresh, local foods within reach by making the healthy choice an easier choice for people with limited food budgets.

“In some low-income neighborhoods, Farm Fresh Rhode Island markets are the only place where reasonably priced fruits and vegetables are sold,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse.  “This significant federal grant will help more families use SNAP benefits at local farmers markets to put fresh, healthy food on the table.”

For many people across New England, nutrition incentives make the critical difference in being able to shop for fresh food at farmers markets. In 2017, 29 weekly farmers markets in Rhode Island accepted SNAP, impacting sales for 78 farms and 65 locally owned food producers. At these markets, Rhode Islanders spent over $105,000 in SNAP dollars, which went to local food businesses, and Farm Fresh RI distributed over $70,000 in Bonus Bucks nutrition incentives to families enrolled in SNAP and WIC programs in Rhode Island. With this new FINI grant, NENIC hopes to reach over 20,000 consumers at over 250 outlets across New England.

“As a SNAP participant and farmers market staff, I experience the benefits from both sides of the table,” explained Tara, a customer and employee at the Coastal Growers Market at Casey Farm in Saunderstown, RI. “Bonus Bucks enables me to purchase about 90% of my groceries from local growers and food artisans at the only place I want to shop: farmers markets. Educating the public about this incentives program and seeing the range of emotions it elicits—from surprise to excitement to deep gratitude—affirms my continuing dedication to increasing food access for all.”

To locate the many farmers markets in RI that accept SNAP and provide Bonus Bucks, community members can use the search tool provided by Farm Fresh RI at www.farmfreshri.org/ebt.


Breene Hollow Farm in West Greenwich Named 2018 Outstanding Rhode Island Dairy Farm

A family tradition: Melissa Breene Jordan and her husband, Matt Jordan run the 50-cow milking operation at Breene Hollow Farm. / DEM photo
A family tradition: Melissa Breene Jordan and her husband, Matt Jordan run the 50-cow milking operation at Breene Hollow Farm. / DEM photo

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced that Breene Hollow Farm in West Greenwich has been named Rhode Island’s 2018 Outstanding Dairy Farm by the Rhode Island Green Pastures Committee of which DEM is a member.

“Rhode Island has a rich agricultural heritage and it’s important to recognize farmers who through business acumen, innovation, and long hard hours are contributing so much to our food supply, the economy, and their families and communities,” said Governor Gina M. Raimondo.

“Breene Hollow Farm is one of our state’s finest dairy farms and is most deserving of this special recognition,” said DEM Chief of Agriculture Ken Ayars. “Rhode Island has become a destination for agriculture and food tourism and food-related business incubation. Dairy farming, however, has experienced a decline in recent years in Rhode Island – as elsewhere nationally.  This award program shines an important light on the value of dairy farming to our state. Kudos to Breene Hollow Farm and the Green Pastures Committee for their commitment to the viability of this important local industry.”

DEM continues to work across many fronts to strengthen Rhode Island’s green economy and to promote local agriculture. The state’s green industries account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy each year. And local agriculture continues to be an area ripe for growth – with the number of farms in Rhode Island on the rise and a growing young farmer network. Breene Hollow Farm, a member of the Agri-Mark Cooperative and Rhody Fresh Milk, was selected for this year’s award because of the Breene family’s long-term commitment to dairy farming and community ties.

Kevin Breene established Breene Hollow Farm with 20 cows at his parents’ home in 1977 upon his graduation from the University of Connecticut. In 1980, he bought 150 acres of land at the farm’s present location in West Greenwich, and built a new free-stall barn and milking parlor. Over the years, several abutting properties were purchased, bringing the farm’s total acreage to 360 acres. The farm currently milks 50 cows and has 90 head in total consisting of registered Holsteins, Jerseys, and Ayrshires. Crops include 20 acres of corn and 45 acres of hay land and pasture. Corn silage is also purchased from a neighboring farm and the cows are fed a total mixed ration twice a day. The remainder of the farm is managed forestland with continual harvesting of firewood and saw logs. Manure is hauled daily to fields and spread in the spring and fall, and a manure storage facility designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service is in use.

Breene Hollow Farm is operated by Kevin Breene, who does the crop work and cares for the young-stock; and his daughter, Melissa, and her husband, Matt, who run the milking operation. Melissa attended the University of Connecticut and Matt has a bachelor’s degree in forestry from Paul Smith College. Like Melissa, Matt also comes from a farming background and grew up working on his grandfather’s dairy farm.

The entire Breene family is actively involved in the community. Kevin has served as West Greenwich Town Administrator for the past 16 years and previously was a RI state senator for 12 years. He also is involved in 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), Exeter Grange, and previously served as state chairman of the USDA’s Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service.  Melissa is the dairy chair and vice president of the local 4-H Fair and chair of the Young Farmers & Ranchers group for the RI Farm Bureau. She is a former 4-H member, past state vice president of FFA, and past president of Agri-Mark Young Co-operators. 

The Outstanding Dairy Farm of the Year award is sponsored by the New England Green Pastures Committee, made up of government and industry members. Membership in the committee is coordinated by the Rhode Island Agricultural Council and the DEM Division of Agriculture. Winning dairy farmers from each New England state will be honored on September 14 at the Big E Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts.


Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co. Wins World’s Best Wood Aged Beer at World Beer Awards

The Rhode Island Brewstillery’s Barrel Aged Uprising Stout Ale Prevailed Over 12 Other Country Winners

Sons of Liberty’s Barrel Aged Uprising Stout Ale
Sons of Liberty’s Barrel Aged Uprising Stout Ale

Sons of Liberty’s Barrel Aged Uprising Stout Ale won the title of World’s Best Wood Aged Beer at the prestigious World Beer Awards in London. First recognized as USA’s Best Wood Aged Beer in Round 1, the beer then beat out all other country winners for the style in Round 2 for the World’s Best title. Sons of Liberty also received a Gold Medal for Golden Sour and a Silver Medal for 3 Not So Wise Men – both in the Sour Ale category.

“Just earning a Gold is awesome, but to be named the best in the world for something…that’s truly an honor,” Wil Santiago, Head Brewer, said of the results. “We’re especially proud of this beer because it’s unique to who we are and what we do.”

Sons of Liberty’s flagship whiskey, Uprising, is distilled from a house-brewed stout beer. The winning beer was that same stout aged in barrels that once aged the Uprising whiskey. A barrel aged beer taking on flavors from the whiskey that it was originally distilled into is not something one comes across often.

“Since 2011 we’ve been brewing beers and distilling them into whiskies,” explained Head Distiller Chris Guillette. “Over the last 18 months, we’ve focused on crafting multiple generations of products from one mash bill, similar to a chef’s nose-to-tail style of cooking, use everything you have.”

The team at Sons of Liberty has released 12 different iterations of their Uprising stout mash including six different barrel aged beers. “One of the benefits of being a distillery is the number of barrels we have at our disposal,” said Sons of Liberty owner Mike Reppucci. “We have a lot of fun and interesting beers sitting in barrels that we’re really looking forward to sharing with everyone.”

On September 20th, Sons of Liberty’s Barrel Aged Uprising Stout Ale has the chance to be named World’s Best Flavored Beer as it competes in Round 3 against six other World’s Best style winners within the Flavored category. Sons of Liberty has earned over 100 awards for their spirits and company since 2012, but are now gaining more traction with their beer offerings.

Full results from the 2018 World Beer Awards (Round 1 & 2) can be found here: http://www.worldbeerawards.com/shares/Style-Winner-results.pdf

May 9, 2019 0 comment
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News Bites: RI Food Bank 2016 Status Report on Hunger / Farm Fresh RI Matching Donation Challenge / Winter Farmers’ Markets

by David Dadekian November 22, 2016
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

RI Community Food Bank 2016 Status Report on Hunger

Rhode Island Community Food Bank

Low-Income Families are Missing Meals

There is a significant meal gap in Rhode Island today. Low-income families miss out on meals because they cannot afford adequate food. Entire communities remain distressed and are not benefiting from the state’s economic recovery. More should be done to protect low-income families from hunger and bring economic growth to the communities where they live.

Download the Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island.

MAJOR FINDINGS

  • Over 33 million meals are missed each year by Rhode Islanders at the bottom of the income scale.
  • Government nutrition programs are now the primary source of meals for low-income households.
  • More than one-fifth of the state’s population lives in communities that suffer from extreme economic hardship.
  • Demand for food assistance remains high with 59,000 people served by the Rhode Island Community Food Bank each month.

Thirty-Three Million Missing Meals

The graph shows the different sources of meals for low-income households in Rhode Island. Of the total 217 million meals needed annually, 15 percent – 33.2 million – are missing. SNAP, WIC and School Meals account for more than half of the meals provided.

Read the entire 2016 Status Report on Hunger in Rhode Island.

Action Steps

  • Urge Congress to increase SNAP benefit levels to keep up with the real cost of food.
  • Offer free school breakfast and lunch to all students in high-poverty areas.
  • Prioritize distressed communities in Rhode Island for economic development to improve the lives of low-income residents.
  • Allocate additional state funding to keep the Food Bank stocked to meet the continued high demand for food assistance.

For previous versions of the Status Report on Hunger, visit our Publications page.


Farm Fresh RI Challenged by Newman’s Own Foundation for #GivingTuesday

Farm Fresh Rhode IslandFarm Fresh Rhode Island has been selected to participate in the Newman’s Own Foundation Challenge for #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to encourage philanthropy and celebrate generosity worldwide.

As part of the Newman’s Own Foundation Challenge, Farm Fresh Rhode Island can earn up to $10,000 in matching funds for donations made (through www.crowdrise.com/FarmFreshRI-GivingTuesday) between November 22 and November 29.

Farm Fresh RI is dedicated to growing a local food system that values the environment, health and quality of life of Rhode Island farmers and eaters. Part incubator, part activator, Farm Fresh’s mission is to preserve Rhode Island farmland, build healthier communities, strengthen local community-based businesses, increase access to fresh food for all, and improve the impact of food production and distribution on the environment. Funds raised in the Challenge will be used to support a wide array of access, education, and distribution programs—such as operating farmers markets year-round; incentivizing and subsidizing EBT/SNAP use at those markets; facilitating buying relationships between RI producers, businesses, and institutions; providing food-industry job training and employment to youth from DCYF’s Juvenile Justice Corrections Services; getting more locally grown, fresh foods into more RI school, hospital, and senior residence cafeterias; and empowering low-income families with tools to shop for and cook fresh foods.

“We love the strong connections Rhode Islanders have to their growers and fishermen. But there is still a long ways for us to go,” says Sheri Griffin, Co-Executive Directory of Farm Fresh RI. “We estimate that just 1% of the food consumed in Rhode Island is locally grown or caught. That is 99% opportunity! Grocery store shelves, cafeterias, schools, senior meal sites — there are so many ways to tie in local food better. We have to ask for these changes to make them happen. They will not happen on their own, but they are so worthwhile, and taste good to boot!”

Occurring this year on November 29, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday to kick off the holiday giving season. The day is designed to inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.

The Challenge is hosted on CrowdRise, a crowdfundraising platform for nonprofits. A total of 20 organizations were selected to participate by Newman’s Own Foundation, the independent foundation created by the late actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman.

Those who are interested in helping Farm Fresh Rhode Island reach its Challenge goal can do so by visiting: www.crowdrise.com/FarmFreshRI-GivingTuesday.


Winter Farmers’ Markets Offer Perfect Local Fare for Holiday Feasts

Just in time for the holidays, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced that as part of its “Get Fresh. Buy Local” campaign, winter farmers’ markets will be open across the state this weekend. The markets will feature an array of local products – from seafood to meats, produce, and prepared foods and gifts.

“The winter markets are great places to purchase fresh, delicious local food while supporting Rhode Island businesses,” said DEM Director Janet Coit.  “I can think of no better way to dress the Thanksgiving table than with Rhode Island-grown turkey, locally harvested fish, or farm-fresh potatoes, apples, cider or winter squash.  I hope everyone will join me this weekend in visiting a local market to get fresh, and buy local!”

Markets, locations and operating times are as follows:

Farm Fresh RI Wintertime Farmers’ Market, Pawtucket
Hope Artiste Village, 1005 & 999 Main Street
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April 29

Mount Hope Farm, Bristol
250 Metacom Avenue
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. year-round

Aquidneck Growers Market, Middletown
Newport Vineyards, 909 East Main Road
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. year-round

Coastal Growers Winter Farmers’ Market, North Kingstown
Lafayette Mill Complex, 650 Ten Rod Road
Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. through April 29

South Kingstown Indoor Winter Farmers’ Market, Peace Dale
Peacedale Mill Complex, 1425 Kingstown Road
Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through April 29

Schoolyard Market, Warren
Hope & Main Food Incubator, 691 Main Street
Select Sundays (December 18, January 15, February 19, March 19, & May 21) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Farm Fresh RI Woonsocket Farmers’ Market, Woonsocket
Thundermist Health Center, 450 Clinton Street
Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. year-round

DEM’s Get Fresh. Buy Local campaign supports efforts to increase local awareness and consumption of Rhode Island-sourced products and to build a sustainable food system in the state.  Rhode Island’s food sector is experiencing significant growth, and efforts are underway to develop the state’s first statewide food strategy.  Winter farmers’ markets play an important role in supporting a strong food system by increasing Rhode Islanders’ access to affordable, local products and providing a marketplace for local farmers during the off-season.  Rhode Island’s food system supports 60,000 jobs, and it is one of few states where the number of farms is on the rise, now standing at more than 1,200 farms. The state also leads the nation in the percent of farms selling directly to the public.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.

November 22, 2016 0 comment
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News Bites: RI Honors Food Day, Farm to School Month / Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market / Jamestown FiSH / Coastal Wine Trail

by David Dadekian October 20, 2016
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

Rhode Island Honors Food Day, Farm to School Month

Farm Fresh RI Farm to School Gardening with Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence

Farm Fresh RI Farm to School Gardening with Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence

The RI Farm to School Project is busy throughout the month of October, supporting special events and distributing resources to engage the state’s schools and institutions in fresh, delicious and nutritious local eating. Governor Gina Raimondo recently proclaimed October to be “RI Farm to School Month.” And the most recent USDA Farm to School Census revealed that Rhode Island schools rank number-one in the nation for district participation in Farm to School programs!

At the same time that obesity and diabetes are occurring in our nation at record rates among children, Farm to School activities empower youth to think critically about the food they eat, to learn about nearby farms and how food is produced, and to taste for themselves that healthy, fresh foods are delicious. Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s Farm to School Project is a critical part of the non-profit’s strategy for fostering a culture of healthy eating in the next generation of consumers. As larger local farms seek secure wholesale markets, school meals represent a viable outlet for Rhode Island farmers. Farm Fresh RI hopes that local food celebrations generate enthusiasm among diners and demand by meal providers so that RI Grown items continue to appear regularly on cafeteria menus.

“Consistent purchases by institutional customers such as Rhode Island’s school food service providers are what our agricultural producers need to assure their investments in expansion,” notes Farm Fresh RI Co-Executive Director Sheri Griffin. “These sustainable purchasing relationships are a win-win for everyone. Our students benefit by enjoying the freshest and most delicious food as our agricultural economy thrives. This kind of activity fosters the development of a secure and sustainable local food system.”

Instagram art contest sponsored by the RI Fruit Growers Association
In celebration of both National and Rhode Island Farm to School Month, as well as Farm Fresh RI’s “Harvest of the Month” initiative featuring apples for October, the RI Farm to School Project hosted an Instagram art contest sponsored by the RI Fruit Growers Association. Rhode Island middle school students (5th – 8th grade) were invited to submit artwork or photography depicting their enthusiasm for Farm to School, Rhode Island agriculture and Rhode Island grown foods. Two fifth-grade students from Reservoir Avenue School in Providence won the contest for their class with colorful drawings of RI Grown fruits and vegetables. Teacher Maureen Rooney’s class will enjoy the first-place prize: apple picking while on a farm fieldtrip Tuesday, October 25, hosted by Steere Orchard in Greenville, RI. The class will also celebrate the second prize, a local foods classroom cooking extravaganza. Students will use RI Grown foods to prepare brunch this Friday, October 21. Menu items include veggie frittatas featuring various vegetables from RI Mushroom Company and multiple RI farms, Baffoni Farms eggs, Schartner Farms sweet potato hash, Steere Orchard apple crisp, and apple pie smoothies using Narragansett Creamery yogurt.

Sodexo Providence, the food service provider at Reservoir Avenue School, will hang the winning artwork in the cafeteria—where all students can view it while enjoying a Great RI Apple Crunch on Food Day, October 24.

The Great RI Apple Crunch, October 24
The second annual Great RI Apple Crunch will be held at Pell Elementary School in Newport, RI, on October 24th—Food Day. To celebrate, the entire school population (including over 850 students, plus faculty and staff!) will gather at 2:00 pm on the school lawn to simultaneously bite into a delicious apple grown locally at Steere Orchard.

The event is coordinated by the school’s food service director, Cindy King of Chartwells, and Farm Fresh RI’s Farm to School team. Chartwells and Farm Fresh RI have worked together in Newport and all East Bay school districts for over 10 years to promote RI Grown foods in school meals and to facilitate food education activities like classroom nutrition lessons, gardening programs and after-school cooking clubs.

This October, Chartwells is participating in Farm Fresh RI’s “Harvest of the Month.” In exchange for printed marketing materials and support with local food celebrations, the district has committed to purchasing RI Grown apples three times during the month!


Farm Fresh RI Wintertime Farmers Market Celebrates 10th Year!

Farm Fresh RI Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market 2016 poster

Farm Fresh RI Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market 2016 poster

The Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market is opening for its 10th season on November 5, 2016. The largest indoor farmers market in New England, it will be open every Saturday through April 29, 2017 from 9am to 1pm — this year including both December 24 (Christmas Eve) and December 31 (New Years Eve). That means extra holiday shopping opportunities for consumers and more chances to support local businesses.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the wintertime market, Farm Fresh Rhode Island will be hosting special events, cooking demos, give-aways, and sales throughout the season. Ever growing, the 2016–2017 Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market will be home to a bustling community of shoppers, families, musicians, artists, growers, and artisans gathering over a shared interest in delicious locally grown foods. The market will feature over 80 new and returning vendors selling a huge array of local products, from fresh produce, seafood, poultry, meats, and cheeses to baked goods, prepared foods, herbal remedies, seasonal flowers and wreaths… and so much more! The Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market is located in two spacious hallways at 1005 and 999 Main St., Pawtucket, RI 02860. The R-Line bus literally stops at the market’s front door. Multiple parking lots are provided for convenience, and street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. Ramp accessibility is located at the 999 Main St entrance and in the building’s center courtyard. For more information: farmfreshri.org.

From Humble Beginnings — 10 Years of Supporting Local Growers
“Let’s just do it. Let’s find a place!” That was how it all started, seemingly simple words that transformed years of dreaming into a realistic way to support RI food producers all year long. Farm Fresh RI Co-Executive Director Sheri Griffin was there, then just starting at the fledgling nonprofit. Griffin along with Farm Fresh RI founders Louella Hill and Noah Fulmer knew that local growers need a consistent marketplace to thrive, even after the New England temperatures start to dip. But asking for a commitment from vendors and pulling together all the logistics were far from a sure thing.

“At first, we weren’t even certain it would fly,” explains Griffin. “As a grower, it’s one thing to need a marketplace. It’s another to be able to dedicate valuable time and resources to test new waters.” In fact, the market may not have gotten off the ground in 2007 without integral support from AS220, a Providence gallery and forum for the arts that donated space and tables for that first wintertime market. But the market was a hit almost immediately — thanks to Hill Orchards, Simmons Farm, Matunuck Oyster Farm, Earth Essence Herbals, Wishing Stone Farm, Jack’s Snacks and Whispering Elms Farm blazing the trail, and Farm Fresh RI rounding out the market with buy-in from other small vendors. So, after that first season, Griffin and team were again in search of a space to house the growing demand.

By the following November, 2008, the market had moved to its current home in the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, after recommendations by Farm Fresh RI friends and market partners New Harvest Coffee Roasters and Seven Stars Bakery, which had already set up shop in the building. Jumping dramatically from 7 to 51 vendors in just its second year, the market’s success was a boon, and it has continued to thrive in the years since. In Fall 2012, with the market bursting at the seams, Farm Fresh RI expanded the market into two hallways — as it will continue to be this, the 10th year!

“The Wintertime Market has made a real difference to a lot of local growers,” explains Griffin. “Having a stream of income from the other eight months of the year can help make or break small food & agra businesses. And our community is hungry for what they catch, grow and create. Making these connections is what Farm Fresh RI is all about.”

Cash, Credit/Debit, EBT Accepted
The market accepts cash, check, credit/debit, and EBT. For shoppers using SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, Farm Fresh RI provides a 40% bonus! Customers simply swipe their EBT card at any of the market Welcome Tables and receive tokens to spend on groceries at the market. For every $5 swiped on EBT, shoppers get $2 FREE Bonus Bucks to buy fresh fruits and vegetables — and the tokens never expire!


Sunday Brunch Begins at Jamestown FiSH

At Jamestown FiSH, Sunday Brunch is a special event. We have made every effort to elevate its status to an art form. With imaginative twists on traditional dishes and inventive new creations inspired by European cuisine, we strive to give our guests an unprecedented dining experience.

A sampling from the menu includes: Omelette, served with a side of Scotch Whiskey Smoked Salmon or Prosciutto & Atwell’s Gold Cheese; Ceufs en Meurette, a classic Burgundian egg dish comprised of two poached eggs topped with a sauce made with copious amounts of red wine, bacon, shallots and mushrooms, then harmonized with a touch of butter and served on top of toasted country bread; Brioche Paine Perdu, with apple-cranberry compote; Jamestown Fish Soup, a spicy soup made with the daily catch, tomato, saffron, fennel hot pepper and a gruyère frico and; Cod “Acqua Pazza,” local Cod poached in a “crazy water” of white wine, hot pepper, garlic, parsley and a touch of tomato and served with potatoes and spinach.
(view the entire menu)

Join us in our sunny dining room from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. each Sunday through May. A dinner menu is offered from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.


Demand for CT, RI, & MA Coastal Wines Peaks with Record Attendance

Tasting Deal for 10th Anniversary of Coastal Wine Trail

Newport Vineyards in Fall, photo by Marianne Lee Photography

Newport Vineyards in Fall, photo by Marianne Lee Photography

Look out, Napa! Wineries in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts are seeing record demand for their whites, reds, and sparkling beverages. The Coastal Wine Trail, a nonprofit group of 14 wineries that weave through the heart of Southeastern New England, has quietly built a reputation for serving nationally recognized wines in unique tasting rooms that offer a deep connection to the roots of each bottle. Tourists and locals alike are taking notice, making the Coastal Wine Trail a top destination in New England.

The secret’s out. Tickets for the Coastal Wine Trail’s annual Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate Festival sold out two months before the event, even after expanding the event to allow 600 hundred additional guests. Even wineries are taking notice. In the past year, five new wineries have joined the Coastal Wine Trail, skyrocketing foot traffic to the wineries.

“There is a new energy on the trail,” said Maggie Harnett, Director of the Coastal Wine Trail, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with special tasting deals. “There is a growing awareness that wines made in Southeastern New England are truly exceptional and can compete on a national level.”

Member wineries have amassed an impressive collection of international and national awards, including a Gold Medal in the 2016 Indy International Wine Competition, a Silver Medal in the 2015 Amenti Del Vino 22nd Annual International Wine Competition, and second place in the Dry White Wine category from the Connecticut Specialty Food Association. Saltwater Farm Vineyard was named one of the Top 50 Romantic Wedding Venues in the U.S. by Brides Magazine.

The secret to the Coastal Wine Trail’s success? An unusually tight-knit community of winemakers who are dedicated to creating more than great wines. These winemakers, including a former dentist, snowboarding instructor, and engineer among them, want to convert every visitor into wine lovers, as they were once converted. Call them wine missionaries, because to join the Coastal Wine Trail, you must have a tasting room to connect with visitors.

Close proximity to each other also means travelers can tour the entire Wine Trail in two to three days, all the while sticking close to New England’s scenic coastline. The heart of the Coastal Wine Trail is less than 3 hours from New York City and 90 minutes from Boston.

To celebrate the Coastal Wine Trail’s 10th anniversary, member vineyards are offering a barrel of a deal for just a few more weeks: 67% off a Vintner’s Tasting Ticket that includes wine tastings for two at each of the 14 member wineries. Bottle yours today for just $99. Vintner’s Tasting Tickets can be purchased on the Coastal Wine Trail website: http://coastalwinetrail.com/on-sale-vintners-tasting-ticket/.

October 20, 2016 0 comment
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News Bites: 2015 Scouting for Food Drive / Easy Entertaining Inc. 2015 Thanksgiving / Backdoor Bread by Seven Stars Bakery / Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market

by David Dadekian November 3, 2015
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

Boy Scouts Prepare for 28th Annual Food Drive, Ask Community to Give Generously

Scouts Will Deliver Door Hangers for RI Community Food Bank Donations on October 31

Food will be collected on November 7, Beginning at 9 a.m.

Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America

Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America

Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America is preparing for its annual “Scouting for Food Good Turn” drive for the 28th consecutive year. On October 31st, thousands of Scouts from across the state will be distributing door hangers to neighbors’ homes seeking donations of nutritional, non-perishable canned goods. Donation pick-ups will take place the following Saturday, November 7 starting at 9 a.m., and will be delivered to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

More than 200 troops will participate in the drive, collecting canned goods from homes throughout Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts and Connecticut.

“As members of the community, we want to ensure that all of our neighbors have access to nutritional food,” said Joe DeStefano, Volunteer Coordinator for the annual Scouting for Food drive since it began in 1987. “Scouting for food does just that while teaching Scouts the importance of helping those in need.”

Each month, 60,000 Rhode Islanders seek food assistance through the Food Bank’s network of emergency food programs. 14.4% of Rhode Island households are food insecure, and 4.6% of Rhode Island households experience severe hunger. 150,000 Rhode Islanders are living in poverty.

Over the years, the Scouts have collected more than 8.5 million pounds of food for the Food Bank.

“We are thrilled to have the support of the Boy Scouts for the 28th year,” said RI Community Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff. “We rely on these dedicated young people to help stock our shelves just in time for winter, providing food for the 60,000 Rhode Islanders we serve each month.”

For more than 25 years, the Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America’s commitment to this cause has inspired community members to get involved.

“As we look forward to another successful drive, we ask the community to give generously,” said John Mosby, Narragansett Council, Scout Executive/CEO. “This year, we hope to reach record numbers.”

Scouting for Food, the largest food drive in New England, is a cooperative effort supported by the Narragansett Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, WPRI-12 News, Fox Providence, the Rhode Island National Guard, The Valley Breeze and area fire stations.

Following the USDA’s guidelines for healthy eating, donors are encouraged to fill their bags with the Food Bank’s most needed items:

  • Canned Soup, Tuna, Canned Meats, Peanut Butter, Nuts
  • Canned Fruits & Vegetables, Dried Fruit, Tomato Sauce
  • Nutritious Breakfast Cereals, Whole Wheat Pasta, Rice
  • Granola Bars and other healthy snacks
  • Canned or Dried Beans

If the Boy Scouts are not able to cover your neighborhood, please visit your local food pantry or the RI Community Food Bank located at 200 Niantic Ave., Providence.


Easy Entertaining Inc Releases 2015 Thanksgiving Catering Menu!

Easy Entertaining Thanksgiving, Photo Credit: David Dadekian, Eat Drink RI

Easy Entertaining Thanksgiving, Photo Credit: David Dadekian, Eat Drink RI

It’s time to start planning your Thanksgiving menu and what better way to enjoy this year’s harvest than with a Thanksgiving feast that’s been sourced directly from farms in your very own backyard? Easy Entertaining Inc, Rhode Island’s premier farm-to-fork Cafe and Catering Collaborative, has released their 2015 Thanksgiving catering menu to make this year’s holiday spread more about time spent with family and friends and less about the stress of planning and preparing a meal.

This homegrown catering company has produced a locally sourced Thanksgiving meal for their clientele for the past 7 years, each year growing more successful and mouthwatering than the last. A gourmet and sustainable Thanksgiving is easily attainable with the help of Easy Entertaining’s catering services whether it’s for the entire meal, just a few sides, or even simply a ready to roast turkey sourced from Baffoni’s Poultry Farm in Johnston.

“New England is one of the most bountiful places to live [and eat] this time of year. Our Fall season produces exuberant amounts of hand picked fare so why not enjoy a Thanksgiving that’s been sourced and produced from your neck of the woods?” says Kaitlyn Roberts, Proprietor and Executive Chef of Easy Entertaining.

Easy Entertaining Inc has taken pride in sourcing more than 70% of its products from within a 250 mile radius year round for the last nine years. Their mantra enforces their focus on fresh, seasonal, and gourmet cuisine. A Thanksgiving from Easy Entertaining Inc is lavish with locally raised vegetables, breads and pastries baked in-house, humanely raised poultry, and so much more to provide a true taste of Rhode Island. Effortlessly enjoy a locavore’s feast this year and stock your table with items such as their Signature Stuffing made with day old house made breads, caramelized onions, dried cranberries, maple syrup, and all natural sausage, or a Southern Sweet Potato Casserole featuring whipped Schartner Farm’s sweet potatoes with a touch of orange, nutmeg, cinnamon, and brown sugar. If you’re the family that craves something sweet after your feast the pastry department will be baking away creating Cranberry Apple Pies, Chocolate Cranberry Tarts, and more to satiate your sweet tooth.

Clients have raved over Easy Entertaining’s Thanksgiving menu for years stating, “Easy Entertaining makes Thanksgiving very easy and affordable to contribute delicious farm-to-table food to a Thanksgiving celebration for families of every size.” (Teri P., RI).

Easy, delicious, and affordable are just a handful of the reasons clients return to Easy Entertaining year after year to cater or supplement their Thanksgiving feast. “The Thanksgiving Dinner I ordered from Easy Entertaining made my holiday much more enjoyable! The turkey was fresh from the farm and the best I’ve had. The vegetables and homemade gravy were amazing. My family loved it! Everything was fresh and delicious and the best part was I didn’t have to shop for anything or spend hours preparing.” states Caroline Corrente, a repeat client of Easy Entertaining’s Cafe and Catering services.

For this year’s Thanksgiving Menu head to Easy Entertaining’s website at www.EasyEntertainingRI.com. For more information on Easy Entertaining Inc and Thanksgiving please contact Nik Delfino at (401) 437-6090 or e-mail him at nik@EasyEntertainingRI.com.


Backdoor Bread, a whole grain project presented by Seven Stars Bakery

Seven Stars Bakery co-owner and baker, Jim Williams, will be offering an exclusive and rotating selection of organic whole grain breads for sale during the Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market beginning on Saturday, November 7. He will be opening the backdoor of the production bakery at the Hope Artiste Village, where he will be selling a variety of all whole grain breads that he makes himself from start to finish. Jim is part of a whole grain movement happening in the U.S., sourcing and supporting farmers who are growing long forgotten grains again. Grains will include: Emmer, Spelt, Redeemer, Red Fife, Kamut, Einkorn and anything else that becomes available that sounds interesting. These whole grains are being grown for flavor, rather than yield alone.

In January 2015, Seven Stars Bakery purchased a stone mill from Austria and is now milling all of the whole grains used at the bakery, over 200 pounds per day. It has brought the craft of baking to a new level for the bakers at Seven Stars. An added bonus is that many people who have not eaten white bread in years are enjoying these whole grain breads as part of their diet.

Come see Jim and support this inspiring new project on Saturdays at the Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket, 9am-1pm, starting on November 7, 2015.

Follow Backdoor Bread on Instagram : https://instagram.com/backdoorbread/

Please direct any questions to Jim Williams jim@sevenstarsbakery.com


Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market Celebrates November Opening

New England’s Largest Winter Farmers Market Announces 2015-2016 Season

Saturday November 7th celebrates the opening of 9th season of Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market. The market, which is the largest wintertime farmers market in New England, hosts over 70 vendors and occupies 16,000 square feet throughout the Hope Artiste Village. The market is open every Saturday from 9AM to 1PM beginning November 7th through May 14th, 2016.

“Farm Fresh opened a winter market in 2007 with seven vendors in Downtown Providence at AS220,” said Farm Fresh Co-Executive Director Sheri Griffin. “Since then, increased support of farmers and local food in Rhode Island has resulted in more demand for local produce year-round.” Farmers that participate in the Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market have been able to meet this demand through incremental expansion of their businesses and by utilizing growing and storage techniques for cold-weather climates.

The Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market expanded in 2013 to host more farmers, food artisans and prepared food vendors in both of the spacious main corridors and courtyard of the former Hope Webbing Company The market has since thrived in both hallways allowing a more comfortable customer experience while still offering high-quality, locally-grown and sourced products in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.

As you stroll through the historic halls of the Hope Artiste Village each Saturday this winter, you can enjoy a diverse medley of local farms and vendors, listen to live music, sample fresh produce and enjoy lunch on the spot from prepared food vendors or some of Rhode Island’s favorite food trucks in the central courtyard of the building.

Wintertime market-goers can expect a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables including: apples, beets, cabbage, carrots, onions, cranberries, mushrooms, greens, potatoes, radishes, winter squash, and more. Vendors will also be offering: locally-raised eggs, pork, chicken, beef, fish, charcuterie and shellfish; locally-produced applesauce, tomato sauce, jams, jellies and pickles; as well as prepared cheese, granola, bread, cupcakes, crepes, pies & baked treats and dog biscuits.

The Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market is now easier to get to than ever before. The Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority’s (RIPTA) new R-Line bus route drops shoppers off right at the front door of the farmers market. For information on the R-Line’s stops and schedules, visit www.ripta.com/11-1. For customers driving or biking to the market, it is located at both 999 and 1005 Main Street in Pawtucket. Parking lots are located around the perimeter of the building as well as street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. Bike racks are located in the central courtyard.

November 3, 2015 0 comment
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