SHOP YOUR LOCAL FARMERS MARKET, AND SUPPORT LOCAL THIS SEASON
Southeast Alaskans spend over $19 million annually on imported produce. Only 12 percent of every dollar spent on produce at the grocery store goes to farmers. By contrast, purchasing locally produced food ensures that more of that dollar goes to the farmer, fisherman, or harvester and continues to circulate locally—benefiting our communities over and over again.
Buying local supports your neighbors who offer healthy, fresh foods of the highest quality. Meet a few of the many hard-working farmers in Southeast Alaska.
Far “out the road” in Juneau, husband-wife duo Kylie and Eli Wray own and operate Windfall Farm where they grow produce, flowers, microgreens, eggs, pickles, and ferments. They also own Panhandle Produce—a brick-and-mortar hyperlocal food market that serves as a hub for other Southeast growers.
“I want to have young people and future farmers out here—to Windfall—and taste food for what it is.”
Jen and Larry Landry own and operate Steller Botanical Health on the shores of Icy Strait in Gustavus. They grow a diverse array of vegetables, berries, herbs, and flowers that they craft into ferments, teas, seasonings, salves, and more, available in Gustavus or online at Salt & Soil Marketplace.
“We enjoy growing wholesome, nutrient dense foods for ourselves and our community. We endeavor to exemplify the connection between healthy gardens, healthy land, and healthy bodies by providing educational services and products that promote holistic gardening and whole body health. We are passionate about inspiring Alaskans to grow more of their own food.”
A scenic 20-minute boat ride from Sitka, majestic Middle Island is the off-grid home of Andrea Fraga and Kaleb Aldred who operate Middle Island Gardens. They grow for a CSA and sell an assortment of island-grown herbs and vegetables at the Sitka Local Foods Network farmers market.
“From day one, we have been committed to growing organically, with an emphasis on local inputs, like sand and seaweed. This is our food too!”
Scott Hansen and his family farm several acres around Haines, including the historic Charlie Anway Farm. His commercial operation sells root vegetables and other seasonal crops to restaurants, schools, online markets, and individuals throughout the region.
“We believe that people of all ages benefit from agricultural agility and acumen. When we better understand this world, we better understand its maker. We also have a vision to encourage and help others develop sustainable areas for growing food for people.”
Find out more about farmers, farmers markets, and local foods in your community in the Southeast Alaska Local Foods Directory: saltandsoilmarketplace.com/southeast-local-food-directory
This article is sponsored by Salt & Soil Marketplace and the Southeast Alaska Watershed Coalition
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