Sincerely Tours! | June 5, 2023

Fresh & Local:

Sincerely Tours!

June marks the beginning of the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). This federal nutrition assistance program helps eligible seniors, families that receive WIC, and local farmers. Shoppers who receive FMNP benefits can use those funds to buy more healthy, fresh produce. The 2023 FMNP benefit is $50 for seniors and $30 per WIC-eligible household member. When using FMNP benefits at the Crescent City Farmers Market, shoppers receive a dollar-for-dollar match!

To help shoppers make the most of the markets, we’ve scheduled four market tour dates this month: June 6, 15, 27, and 29. These guided tours will take place during the Tuesday Uptown and Thursday Mid-City markets. The June 6 and June 15 tours will mainly focus on changes to the FMNP. We’ll visit vendors that accept FMNP benefits and explain the new token economy. The June 27 and June 29 tours will highlight how to plan, shop, prepare, and store Market Match-eligible produce. The June 29 tour will also include a “Taste the Rainbow” produce tasting from our new SNAP-Ed curriculum. All market visitors are welcome to join the tour regardless of FMNP or Market Match eligibility! Tours will begin at the top of every hour and should last about ten minutes. If you know someone that may be interested in the information offered during the tour, please share this newsletter with them. To learn more about the FMNP, click here.

Picks of the Week:

Summer P-EBT Benefits are
Market Match Eligible

Summer Pandemic EBT, or Summer P-EBT, provides food benefits to children eligible for free or reduced-price lunches through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) who aren’t getting meals at school during the summer months. Eligible students will receive $120 to cover both June and July 2023. DCFS will issue benefits in a single payment in late summer. Students do not need to apply. School systems will submit eligibility information. Eligible families receive benefits automatically.

P-EBT cards work like any LA SNAP card and P-EBT funds can be matched dollar-for-dollar at the CCFM markets or with any of our Market Match partners (Top Box Foods, Grow Dat Youth Farms, River Queen Greens, and the New Orleans Food Co-op). For every P-EBT dollar spent at these locations, we’ll match it with another dollar, cutting the customer price in half. For more information about Summer P-EBT, visit the DCFS website.

Family Equality Day at Longue Vue

Join the Market Umbrella team at Family Equality Day hosted by Longue Vue House and Gardens this Sunday, June 11 from 10 am to 1 pm. We will table with information, resources, and a hands-on activity in celebration of this special Pride Month event! Family Equality Day celebrates and recognizes families of all shapes, sizes, and definitions, with a special focus on the LGBTQ+ community. This outdoor event is free and plenty of fun for all ages, with Drag Queen Story Time, dance and drag performances, a community resource fair, children’s parade, and other surprises. Celebrate Pride with us! For more details on Family Equality Day and to register, visit Longue Vue’s website.

Thank You, Fidelity Bank!

Three cheers for Fidelity Bank! Fidelity Bank treasures true community spirit. This is shown in their work to build relationships, find innovative ways to connect with neighbors, and support organizations like Market Umbrella. In addition to generously sponsoring our Moonlight Market fundraiser, Fidelity Bank provided a photo booth on-site. Staff, vendors, and guests alike had a blast at the event, and thanks to the photo booth and Fidelity Bank, those wonderful Moonlight Market memories were saved, shared, and cherished. Fidelity Bank demonstrates a passion for the communities they serve—and we’ve got the photos to prove it!

Vendor of the Week:

Things ‘N Stuff

Calling all jam and jelly lovers! With over 50 varieties of jams, jellies, and preserves, there is a flavor for everyone at Things ‘n Stuff’s table! Since her introduction to the Crescent City Farmers Market in 2018, Ms. Brenda has been spreading the love with jams and jellies ranging from blood orange jelly to crawfish boil pepper jelly to classic strawberry jam. Her table boasts a lovely display filled with rows of sweet and savory jams and jellies. Her fresh and delicious salsas and pickles are all made with locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Besides all the canned goods on her table, you’ll find an array of quilted bowl cozies, casserole covers, and tortilla warmers. Find Ms. Brenda, her daughter, and granddaughter along with all their specialty canned goods at Sunday market - the garlic pepper jelly is a must-try!

Recipe of the Week:

Summer Potato Salad

Grab yourself a jar of dill pickles from Things ‘N Stuff and whip together this fun and flavorful summer potato salad from Tasty! This potato salad balances a creamy dressing with the tanginess of the mustard, pairing tender potatoes with the refreshing crunch of fresh seasonal vegetables and herbs. This side dish is zesty, crisp, and nutritious to boot! You can find many of the ingredients for this potato salad at market.

What’s your favorite dish to make after visiting the Crescent City Farmers Market? Share your recipes with us on Instagram or Facebook and it might be featured in our weekly newsletter!