I read a funny thing last week that said, “Farmers choose to work 100+ hours a week to give up working a 40-hr office job.” There is a lot that goes into the agricultural industry that is tough on backs and pocket books so, like many professions, farmers have a fair share of turnover. It is not always pretty and with that, we are sad to say that The Healthy Kitchen will no longer be at the market. Although successful, Fred and Ana of The Healthy Kitchen are moving on and moving.

Fred and Ana’s farm, adjacent to Wheeler’s Orchard & Vineyard on Fredonia Mountain, is changing hands so we are unsure if their organic goods will reappear at our market. Regardless, we wish Fred and his family the best of luck in their new adventures. He said that they are looking forward to traveling and a retirement-like lifestyle.

With almost a dozen of our vendors participating in the market since its inception over ten years ago, our market has a family vibe behind the booths. We talk about good days and bad days. We help each other grow personally and professionally. We swap products as much as we swap stories. Its always sad to see someone go.

As another season approaches, there will be changes in the weather and what’s available on the table. For me, its always sad to see broccoli and cauliflower go. I am excited for the upcoming dependable abundance of things like tomatoes, sunshine and cheese samples as well as some new changes like location. Our move towards Chattanooga Brewing is going to be an adjustment for everyone but like The Healthy Kitchen, the market had to make a decision and move.

Until our hopeful relocation launch party on Wed, March 11th, the market will remain in the middle of the Republic parking lot just off the corner of Main. This is to give folks time to move with us and adjust to changes like parking and walking. It also creates more consistency in layout for our vendors and a safer environment with fewer parked cars.

As this blog is supposed to help with recipes, tips and tricks, here is one thing I have noticed being a helpful hint for market-goers and will definitely assist in the move. A contraption on wheels, whether it be wagon, stroller or cart can be a huge help in lugging your market goodies. The market does sell reusable bags but sometimes you just want to throw it in the cart and figure out when you’re done just like a good ol’ grocery store.

Look up “portable shopping carts” online and there are many options for around $30, including one from Home Depot, and some even come with an attached seat! Or shop for “collapsible wagon” for a more lateral layout but those are almost twice as much however offer more flexibility.

Thank you for supporting us through all the moves, vendors and whatever else may come our way and hope to see you every Wednesday!