Mission Statement

The Local Growers Guild creates a local foods system that provides quality food to communities through direct markets and retailers; preserves the viability of family farms; improves the quality of life for growers; makes food issues visible; and promotes practices that preserve and protect the Earth.

Announcements

Winter Farmers Market Master position - taking applicatioins!

The Bloomington Winter Farmers Market and the Local Growers Guild are accepting applications for the position of Market Master for the 2011 season. The duties of the Market Master include:

· Attending and assuring the smooth operation of all Markets during the season

· Aiding in recruitment of vendors; communicating with vendors

· Accepting applications from vendors

· Being aware of Market policies and ensuring vendor compliance

· Serving as the Market’s liaison to the Market site representative and to the Health Department

· Working and communicating with the Advisory Committee and Local Growers Guild staff on matters of policy, administration, and operations

o working with the President of the Advisory Committee to set committee meeting agendas

o working with the Treasurer of the Advisory Committee to assure that financial procedures are followed

This position is seasonal, but will require some timecommitment for planning and preparation outside of the actual Market season. Salary - $1500/season.

The ideal candidtate will have an interest in local food culture and be able to work independently. He or she must have the ability and capability to work at home. Additionally, the Market Master will be comfortable solving problems and dealing with both vendores and the Market Advisory Committee.

To apply, send a letter of interest and resume by February 15, 2010 to:

Market Master Position

PO Box 2553

Bloomington, IN 47402

or via email at: localgrowers@localgrowers.org

Bloomington Winter Farmers Market is in Action!

Mark your calendars for the 2010 Bloomington Winter Farmers Market!

Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to noon

Now through March 27, 2010

Harmony School Gymnasium @ 909 East 2nd Street

For exciting recipes that you can make with winter market products, go to www.localgrowers.org/bwfmrecipes

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs

CSA programs are now enrolling for the 2010 growing season. To find out more, go to our CSA page.

To learn more about your myriad CSA options, please join us for our second annual CSA Day at the Bloomington Winter Farmers Market on Saturday, February 13 from 9 am to noon. To learn more go to www.localgrowers.org/wintermarket.html.

Membership Renewals

Have you renewed your membership in the Local Growers Guild? Continue to support the LGG and don't miss your opportunity to be featured in the 2010 Local Growers Guide. To renew please fill out a mail-in renewal form by January 15. To be listed in the guide, fill out the "Promote your Farm" form.

Partnership with Community Kitchen's Backpack Buddies Program

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture’s Crop Block Grant awarded $6,340 to the Local Growers Guild for a partnership with Community Kitchen of Monroe County’s Backpack Buddies Program. Community Kitchen’s Backpack Buddies Program provides backpacks of food to 100 elementary students on Fridays during the school year for students to take home to their families as supplemental groceries over the weekend. In an effort to provide fresh, local produce and products and educational information to children and families in need, the Local Growers Guild will be partnering with the Backpack Buddies program by providing a locally grown or produced item into each backpack throughout the 2010 calendar year. The item LGG provides will change each week, and on two occasions the students will receive $10 vouchers for either the Bloomington Community Farmers’ Market or the Bloomington Winter Farmers’ Market.

The Local Growers Guild is actively looking for growers and producers interested in selling their products on a one-time or more frequent basis throughout 2010. The budget allows $2 per item per backpack. There are 100 students receiving a backpack each week. Interested growers please contact Kim at localgrowers@localgrowers.org or call her at 812-333-8287.

The Local Growers Guild greatly appreciates all the support and encouragement the community has provided. Many individuals have supported the LGG and the regional growers. A special thanks to the following businesses, our retail members who support our organization through their membership dues and their dedication to buying farm products from local growers.