New Local Food Program
By Amber Lawrence
Photos courtesy Schuylkill Conservation District
Did you ever wonder how you could get vegetables and fruits locally for a low price? Maybe Schuylkill County Grown can help.
It’s a new project of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee, through which local businesses sell delicious local food and goods for a price that’s fit for you, and your wallet. It was inspired by the PA Preferred marketing program, well known due to the majority of Pennsylvanians wanting to buy and consume local products.
“There is a certain sense of pride and fellowship in buying local produce,” says Elizabeth Hinkle, Manager of the Schuylkill Conservation District and a leader of the Agribusiness Committee. “It’s knowing that your neighbor’s hard work and dedication went into producing a quality product for you to consume.”
So far, according to Hinkle, whose son Luke is pictured above, the Agribusiness Committee has discussed elements like the logistics of the county, what commodities to include, and what the goals and objectives of the program may be. Schuylkill County Grown will foster agricultural awareness and education as well as support our local economy.
Find Local Produce
Currently, three local businesses will carry Schuylkill County Grown products: Boyer’s Food Markets, at multiple locations in the county; The Brickhouse Grill, in Orwigsburg; and Jersey Acres Farms & Stone Mountain Winery, in Pine Grove.
Marketing programs like Schuylkill County Grown are vital tools in connecting consumers with local products. Commodities that are in their raw form, such as fruits, vegetables and trees will be the main focus of the program during its start-up. “The idea is to start simple, and as time goes on to learn what works best so the program can branch out,” says Hinkle.
Get Your T-Shirt
Where the program goes from here depends largely on funding. The Agribusiness Committee has begun efforts to raise money and awareness of the concept. Currently, the committee is holding a t-shirt sale; the shirts feature the logo of the Agribusiness Committee on the front with the words Schuylkill County Grown stamped on the back. Shirts can be purchased and picked up at the Schuylkill Conservation District.
So the next time you go shopping, why not buy Schuylkill County Grown?
Cook Local
The Schuylkill County Grown project will officially “kickoff” during the Schuylkill County Fair, July 27 – August 1, with cooking and baking contests, including a youth category (under 18).
Young contestants will prepare a quick bread of their choice. Adults must make a soup. Since the goal is to use Schuylkill County Grown ingredients, the recipes must contain at least three local ingredients.
There will be a panel of judges to decide the top three recipes in each category. Winners will receive a prize, along with a Schuylkill County Grown t-shirt. The contest will be held on Tuesday of the fair at 6pm.
For more information:
Schuylkill Conservation District
570-622-3742