From Farm to Freezer

There’s another option in Burlington for eating food grown closer to home this winter: frozen vegetables and blueberries. Thanks to a pilot project initiated by City Market and conducted in collaboration with the Neighboring Food Co-op Association and Sunrise Orchards of Cornwall, VT, shoppers are able to buy frozen green beans, corn, broccoli and blueberries grown by family farms in the Northeast this winter at food co-ops across Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

“We’ve never had a source for frozen vegetables and fruits coming from local farms. The only options in the market have been frozen produce from large-scale corporations sourcing their fruits from California, Mexico, and in some cases, China,” said Clem Nilan, City Market’s General Manager. “This pilot project is the first attempt to get frozen products grown closer to home on our shelves.”

The blueberries were grown by two farms in Putney, VT and frozen using a mobile flash freeze unit owned by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. The broccoli was grown by members of Deep Root Organic Co-op (a cooperative of farmers in Vermont and Quebec), and the green beans and corn were grown by family farms in upstate New York.  These vegetables were then processed and packed by Farm to Table Co-packers in Kingston, NY, and the Vermont Food Venture Center in Hardwick, VT.

“Having frozen vegetables and fruits from near-by farms is really exciting,” said Nilan. “We’re able to offer a new market opportunity for farmers for fruits and vegetables that they are already growing. Meanwhile, we’re able to offer our customers locally and regionally produced food in the winter months when they are not available in our Produce Department. This supports our local economy and our local food system.”

The winter of 2011-2012 is a pilot year for the new frozen produce. The supply is anticipated to last through mid-winter.

About City Market/Onion River Co-op

The Onion River Co-op is a consumer cooperative, with over 7,000 members, selling wholesome food and other products while building a vibrant, empowered community and a healthier world, all in a sustainable manner. Located in downtown Burlington, Vermont, City Market provides a large selection of local, natural and conventional foods, and thousands of local and Vermont-made products. Visit City Market, Onion River Co-op online at www.CityMarket.coop or call 802-861-9700.

About the Neighboring Food Co-op Association

The Neighboring Food Co-op Association (NFCA) is a network of more than 20 food co-ops across Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut with a combined membership of over 90,000 people.  Together, we are working toward a shared vision of a thriving regional economy, rooted in a healthy, just and sustainable food system and collaboration among co-ops.  For more information, visit www.nfca.coop.

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