Midsommarfest

Churches' Center for Land and People (CCLP) sponsors indoor Winter Farmers Markets & Meals for Hope to provide small, local farm producers with additional venues to extend their income beyond the growing season. Held in parish halls of congregations of many denominations, these ecumenical events are open to the public and from November to March offer consumers an opportunity to purchase cheese, meat and poultry, soap, syrup, honey, wool, yogurt, raw fibers, vinegars, dried fruits, milled flours, sauces and salsas, preserves, cider, and fresh produce as available.....in short, anything that a farm grows or produces from what they grow. (Not all items listed will be available at all markets.

Most locations will simultaneously host a brunch, cafe, or other meal with items made from seasonal and local products purchased from the participating farm vendors, such as eggs, meats, cheese, flour, etc., providing an income to farm vendors before they even set up their table and offering consumers the opportunity to "taste and see" the difference.

There is no fee to participate, but farmers donate 10% of what they earn at the market (after a threshold amount) via CCLP to the Harvest of Hope Fund which, for almost 20 years, has been giving monetary gifts of up to $1,000 to farmers in crisis due to illness or unexpected expenses. It's a WIN-WIN for the farm producers and farmers in crisis...and a WIN for consumers who can continue to purchase farm-fresh items and cultivate relationships with local farmers beyond the summer farmers market season.