Local Food is Growing
There are a growing number of people in Osceola County who want to know their food better. A tomato isn’t just a tomato anymore. Where was it grown? Were sustainable growing methods used? Were the workers that picked it paid fairly? We want to know these things because we want the freshest, safest, most affordable food possible. We want to know because we are starting to realize that our everyday food choices have a much greater impact beyond our plates. As a result, home gardening has rapidly become more popular, and people are actively seeking locally grown food. We at the University of Florida/IFAS Extension have recently been overwhelmed with information requests from farmers and home gardeners, but we do our best to try to connect people with the resources they need.
Our plant clinic in open 8:00am-5:00pm weekdays, 1921 Kissimmee Valley Lane, Kissimmee, and you can e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . In efforts to form a network of people interested in growing local food, there will be a Local Food Swap held at Osceola’s only Community Supported Agriculture farm. Bring your home grown fruits and vegetables to trade with others.Live music, gardening information and displays, and kid’s activities. Call 321-697-3000 to participate. No sales please. To be notified of future local food events, please call and request to be added to the contact list.If you would like another opportunity to show off your gardening talents, then consider entering your produce and plants in the Osceola County Fair. The fair is February 12-21, 2010. You must turn in your entry forms (not entries) 8:00am-4:00pm on Saturday, January 9th, 2010 at the KVLS building in Osceola Heritage Park. Entries can be in adult or youth sections of the following classes: Dish Garden/Terrarium; Houseplants; Flowering Plants; Fresh Produce; Other.
For entry forms and exhibiting details, see www.osceolacountyfair.com/ (“community shows” - “creative arts”, pg. 9) Call Jessica at 321-697-3000 for questions.