Coming up in June at the market!

The West Chester Grower's Market has kicked off with many exciting events we hope you've been enjoying, including a food drive the third Saturday of every month.

"Last month was our first," market director Paul Hauser said. The growers of the market came up with the idea for a food drive at their winter meeting. "Of course the idea was highlighted by our economic conditions, but the community has been so supportive of us we wanted to give something back."

All donation go to the West Chester Salvation Army which gives away a ton and a half of food every week. Customers are encouraged to bring in non-perishables or make a monetary donation on the third Saturday of each month. Market growers are even donating fresh produce - which food banks and their beneficiaries rarely every see - so home gardeners are also encouraged to donate some of their produce!

There are many more events to come as the summer really heats up.

June 6 - Free popcorn and prize drawing

"We'll be popping popcorn and giving it away that Saturday," said Paul Hauser, market director. "And we'll be holding a drawing for 25 Growers Dollars."

June 20 - Father's Day Pie Eating Contest

"This is brand new at the market!" Hauser said. In honor of Father's Day June 21 dads are invited to come have their fill - and then some - of pie! "We're encouraging all dads to come in."

June 27 - Composting demonstration

The West Chester Extension Service is offering this free demonstration by registration only. There is a $20 charge for a composting bin, but check back here the week before the demonstration to find out cheaper ways to obtain composting bins from local townships.

"Composting is biologically sound," Hauser said. "Like eating local food instead of getting food from Iraq and Saudia Arabia. A lot of our customers are gardeners so it's good for them to take household waste and return it to the earth."

To register for the demonstration, call 610-696-3500.

Throughout June Vote for the West Chester Grower's Market as America's Favorite Grower's Market

American Farmland Trust (AFT) is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting our nation's strategic agricultural resources and they are holding a contest for America's Favorite Grower's Market. Find out more and vote for our market by clicking the link above.