August, 2026

Cabbage Throw Farm at Easton Farmers' Market

National Farmers Market Week gives us an opportunity to celebrate the farmers, market managers, and volunteers who make our local farmers markets such vibrant community gathering places. This year, it also comes at a time when more people are paying attention to where their food comes from. We saw that firsthand in the unusually long lines at our farmers markets last week and in the growing number of conversations about local food taking place on social media.

The recent Cyclospora outbreak is a good reminder of something local farmers have always offered: transparency. When you shop at a farmers market, you know who grew your food. You can ask how it was raised, where it came from, and learn about the people behind it. That relationship is something you simply can't find in grocery stores.

In our industrial food system, food often travels thousands of miles and passes through many hands as it is processed, stored, transported, and distributed before it reaches our plates. Every step adds complexity, making it harder to trace problems when they occur. Farmers markets offer a different model—one built on direct relationships, transparency, accountability, and trust.

Small farmers don't suddenly become important during a food safety scare. They simply remind us how important they were all along.

So this National Farmers Market Week, thank a farmer. Visit your local market. Ask questions. Build relationships. Because supporting local agriculture isn't just about buying food—it's about aligning your purchases with your values and investing in the kind of food system we want for the future.

Be an Ambassador for Local!

Help us grow the local food movement! We'd be happy to send you a stack of our Local Food Guides to share with friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers.

Introducing someone to local food is one of the most powerful ways to support our farmers.

And who better to do it than those of you who are already shopping local?

You're our best ambassadors. Email: bfbl@nurturenaturecenter.org

Epic Acre Farm at Saucon Valley Farmers Market

On the evening of July 23rd, we had the pleasure of welcoming state officials, regional leaders, farmers, and community partners to celebrate the launch of Farm to Community: The Lehigh Valley Food System. Hosted by our friends at the Kellyn Foundation at the beautiful Llantrisant Retreat & Wellness Center, in partnership with Blue Zones Lehigh Valley, the evening celebrated the people, partnerships, and shared vision behind a stronger regional food system.

Guests enjoyed an exceptional spread prepared by Chefs Amanda and Andrew Pietrobono, featuring ingredients sourced from our local farms, food producers and vineyards. Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture the Honorable Russell Redding opened the evening with thoughtful remarks that reflected his deep commitment to agriculture, food access, and the importance of strong communities. We also heard from Rachel Hogan Carr, Executive Director of Nurture Nature Center; Megan McBride, Director of Buy Fresh Buy Local – Greater Lehigh Valley; and longtime food system leader Allison Czapp and Todd Nemura, Director of Blue Zones - Activate Easton, who shared exciting updates on the revival of the Lehigh Valley Food Policy Council.

In the coming months, we'll be taking the show on the road and holding community forums based on the food report. Help us keep this important conversation going. Let us know if your organization would like to host a forum - big or small!

The Honorable Russell Redding, Opening Remarks 

Left: Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture, The Honorable Russell Redding giving opening remarks

Left: Rachel Hogan-Carr, Executive Director of Nurture Nature Center & Megan McBride

Right: A fantastic feast by Chefs Amanda & Andrew Pietrobono  

Left: Secretary Redding speaking with Todd Nemura, Director of Blue Zones Activate- Easton. 

Right: Northampton County Executive Tara Zrinski, Allison Czapp, Megan McBride, Secretary Russell Redding

Director Megan McBride with Project Manager/ Assistant Editor Lisa Ruebeck 

Photo Credits:Ashley Foster and Ashley Fehr 

Over the coming months, we'll be exploring the findings of Farm to Community: The Lehigh Valley Food System. The report uncovered not only the challenges facing our regional food system, but also the opportunities, partnerships, and ideas that could help shape the future of agriculture in the Lehigh Valley. Each month, we'll take a closer look at one of those topics and continue the conversation.

Betty Loch Farm, Weisenberg Township, Lehigh County:

Photo credits: BerksVibes on Instagram

Congratulations to the West Reading Farmers Market on celebrating its 20th market season! The milestone was celebrated during the July 13th market with live music, community activities, and plenty of local flavor. Established in 2006 as part of the Borough of West Reading's revitalization efforts, the market has spent two decades connecting the community with local farmers, food producers, and artisans. Staying true to its local roots, the market requires all producers to be located within 50 miles of Reading.

This season also marks another milestone: the launch of a market-wide SNAP program, making West Reading just the third farmers market in the Greater Lehigh Valley to offer a centralized SNAP program that allows shoppers to use their benefits with all eligible vendors.

In an article published by WFMZ covering the occasion, Market Manager Kendra Giangiulio praised the surrounding community for the market's longevity, "We treat the farmers' market more like an experience. There's much more to this just shopping for your weekly groceries. A lot of what goes on here is community based; we have neighbors, friends, family, people that meet up here just to see each other and it's really just a bonus that you get to buy local produce for the week."

Read the full article, here

Congratulations to the West Reading Market team on 20 successful seasons!

The market is open Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Penn Avenue. Shop the market, peruse the local shops, and stay for lunch!

Photo Credit: Hausman's Fruit Farm, Coopersburg

August is sunflower season! Our farms are celebrating these sun-loving blooms with festivals, live music, family activities, entertainment, and picture-perfect pick-your-own sunflower experiences. We've highlighted a few farms below that are hosting sunflower events throughout the month. If you're planning to cut your own sunflowers, be sure to check with the farm ahead of time to see if you should bring your own clippers!

•  Hausman Fruit Farm, Coopersburg

•  Juniperdale Farms & The Produce Crib, Nazareth

•  Seiple Farms, Bath

Coopersburg Farmers' Market, Photo credit: Mike DeJesso

My Little Farmstand, Easton

I've had the pleasure of working with Brian Bruno for more than twenty years, first through the Easton Farmers' Market and Easton Public Market, and now through Buy Fresh Buy Local – Greater Lehigh Valley. During that time, I've watched Apple Ridge Farm grow from a small family farm into one of the region's best-known local food businesses, always finding thoughtful ways to use what the farm produces.

Brian originally planned to become an environmental scientist, but while studying agriculture at Penn State he realized that farming itself could be one of the best ways to care for the land. That philosophy still guides the farm today.

We recently had the opportunity to tour the farm with Brian and two of his farm apprentices, Jared and Anthony. They walked us through how each part of the farm builds and supports another part. The chickens are free range and kept out of places they aren't wanted by strategically placed fencing. Brian calls this "out/ out" raising, noting that because the chickens are free to roam, they find the nutrients they need, which in turn provides a richer egg and better chicken. The pigs are used to clear fields, brush, and fence lines. If there is an area of grass that needs to be mown down, the rabbits get to work. The bakery sits at the heart of the farm and is rarely still, with bakers and delivery drivers working into the wee hours to bake an average of 1100 loaves of bread each week.

Apple Ridge is known for its naturally fermented sourdough bread and pizzas, as well as their Collective Cultures line which includes kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut and their new vegetable brines. Whenever possible, Brian uses ingredients grown right on the farm, and when he needs more, he sources from neighboring farms. It's an approach that supports other local growers while making the most of every harvest.

You'll also find Apple Ridge at an impressive 15 farmers' markets across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, introducing thousands of people to fresh, locally produced food every week. I remember being surprised and excited to find them at a lovely little market in Warwick, NY during a leaf peeping excursion I made last fall. Seeing them made me feel like home.

We're proud to have Apple Ridge Farm as one of our Buy Fresh Buy Local partners and grateful for Brian's dedication to farming in the Lehigh Valley. Through his generosity, mentorship, and willingness to share what he's learned, he's helped countless apprentices and beginning farmers find their place in the local food community.

Open Every Day 10-6

Except Sunday and Thursday 10-4

Fresh Sourdough Bread Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday

1198 Pennell Road

Saylorsburg, PA

610-381-6152

Photo credit:Apple Ridge Farm

We are into the heart of summer, and with that comes all the fresh fruit & veggies from your local farmers. Below we've made a list of what is currently in season, and what will be available in the next few weeks.

SEEDED WATERMELON!

We've heard it over and over this summer: "Do you know where I can find a seeded watermelon?" Many people say seeded watermelons are sweeter, juicier, and taste like the watermelons they remember from childhood. They're also an important part of preserving heirloom varieties—and let's be honest, you can't have a proper watermelon seed-spitting contest without the seeds!

If you're craving the real thing, you'll find juicy, seeded red watermelons at My Little Farmstand on Berger Rd.in Easton.

Farm-to-Table fare at Wonder Kitchen. Don’t miss their popular corn dishes—back for a limited time only.

In a recent New York Times article, food writer Mark Bittman reminds us that, "You're not likely to get cyclospora, and you're even less likely if you eat at home." The reason, he explains, isn't necessarily because home kitchens are cleaner. Rather, "when you cook at home, fewer people touch your food." Once your groceries leave the store, they're unlikely to be handled by anyone but you, while food prepared commercially often passes through many hands before reaching your plate.

Bittman also observes that although small farms may have less sophisticated handling systems than large industrial operations, "they are also part of a shorter supply chain and supply fewer people." That's one of the many reasons we encourage you to know your farmer and support local agriculture.

The same idea applies when dining out. Seek out farm-to-table restaurants like Zekraft in Easton, Wonder Kitchen in Bethlehem, The Shelby in Allentown, Curious Goods in Germansville or Heart & Hearth Deli in Kutztown.They proudly feature local farms on their menus and are happy to tell you where their ingredients come from. Restaurants that value local sourcing aren't just supporting our regional farm economy, they're also providing peace of mind. The same goes for markets that purchase their produce from local farms, such as Local Leaf Market, Willow Haven Farm General Store, Eagle Point Farm Market, Wananaker General Store and Nature's Way.

Whether your produce comes from the farmers market, a local farm stand, or a grocery store, good kitchen habits still matter. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before preparing or eating them, and enjoy the abundance of fresh, local foods that are in season this time of year.

Recipe and photos compliments of Smitten Kitchen

Dig into all things soil at Hunter Hill CSA as we break down the basics of soil science with an emphasis on no-till farming.

Building and preserving soil health is a fundamental component of a secure food system that protects ecosystems and communities. Healthy soils grow healthy plants. In this learning session, you’ll receive a crash course into soil science from Pasa’s Co-Director for Research Laura Kaminsky and demos of DIY soil health tests from Lisa Blazure, Soil Health Coordinator at the Stroud Water Research Center, where you’ll learn how to classify soil texture by feel.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there is always something new to learn about building healthy soils. If you are able, please bring a bag of soil from your farm or garden!