Local Produce Stall - Lawson *NEW*
Lawson Local Produce Stall - In Focus
A conversation with John, Loret and Louise coordinators of the Lawson Local Produce Stall.
When was your local produce stall established? John, Loret and Louise first met early in 2009 to explore various sustainable food ideas and options for the Mid Mountains.The first local produce stall was at the Magpie Markets on 19 April 2009.
Why was it established? From the Neighbourhood Centre's perspective, one of our priorities is to help establish connections between members of the local community. One of the ways we have been doing this is around the issue of sustainability. In the Mid Mountains there's a huge number of knowledgeable and passionate people focused on food sustainability. In talking with John and Loret who have initiated many great projects, the idea of establishing a Local Produce Market stall seemed a good way to go. It also linked in well with our other initiatives including Veggie Garden in a Box Workshops, Mid Mountains Community Gardens and Blue Mountains Sustainable Transport Alliance.
Who runs or manages the stall? John and Loret run and manage the stall. The Neighbourhood Centre supports this process and helps promote the stall.
What assistance do you currently get either financially or in-kind support from within the community? The Lawson School P & C provide in-kind support by enabling us to have a stall at Magpie Markets. Blue Mountains Council have supported us by providing posters, flyers and newspaper advertising.
What do you enjoy the most about running your stall? Watching it grow and hearing the word gradually getting around. Everyone I speak to about it is incredibly positive about the idea and sees the produce stall as a real asset to the community.
Is there a brief story or anecdote you like to share? The 15 November 2009 stall was amazing. We had lots of terrific produce and a huge response - as soon as produce arrived a crowd of people would gather round and it was snapped up hardly before it was laid out. We had available; homemade lemon cordial, candied peel, large basket of radishes, celery, onions, citrus (large baskets of lemonades, lemons, ruby grapefruit, limes), turnips,mulberries, eggs (several dozen from different people), herbs (kaffir lime leaves, rosemary,parsley), silverbeet, mulberry jam, zucchini pickle, marmalade, pitcher plants, straw bales, seedsavers locally saved seed and home made snail repellent.
Three large baskets of citrus went in a flash, turnips flew out, lemon cordial hardly touched the table, and celery was grabbed up. There was very little produce left over at the end - and above all a great 'vibe' and excitement.
We are starting to get regular contributors - who not only know the ropes of how to deliver and display produce, but are also prepared to stay and staff the stall. We had three groups of people looking after the stall at the last market.
The Lawson Local Produce Stall operates at the Lawson Magpie Market at Lawson Public School on the 3rd Sunday of the month.
This item was posted in February 2010.