Farmer's Market

Today I worked at a Farmer's Market with Iskashitaa. They took a few months off for summer and this week was their first week back. It was both exciting and overwhelming to be working a booth here. Iskashitaa takes some of the gleaned fruits and veggies and makes jams, jellies, and preserves with them, and these products were our main focus. We also sell hand-made harvesting bags and African baskets.

The farmer's market is such a great environment. It is great to see vendors who are trying to sell their products locally and be mindful of the earth. I was a little surprised by the variety of products offered; when I think of farmer's markets I generally just think of vegetables. Not only were there vegetables and fruits, there were also plants, flowers, herbs, jams, eggs, honey, espresso fudge, bread, vegan gluten-free baked goods, candles/lotions/skin treatments, pet treats, and more. Our booth was next to a woman who was selling her home-made candles, lotions, and skin-treatments. She is very conscious of the ingredients she uses and how they affect the environment. She said her products are actually edible. Her products are almost vegan, other than the sugar she currently uses. She said she is hoping to be able to switch to a vegan sugar when she can afford the cost. 

It was enjoyable to talk with the people coming by our booth and to share about our programs with them. Many people signed up to receive our newsletter, to volunteer, or to donate unused fruit from 

their properties. We had samples of fig preserves and orange marmalade available, and they were delicious! I'm looking forward to learning how to make many of these products. 

This particular farmer's market is held at a non-profit movie theater in Tucson called The Loft.Throughout the market, videos that were created about Iskashitaa played on the loop in the theater for free. One of the videos Iskashitaa was featured in was sponsored by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation! What an exciting surprise that was for me. 

All in all, I enjoyed working at the farmer's market and experiencing a community of people interested in buying local products. 

The upcoming week is very busy for me, so please keep me in your prayers! Pray that I will be able to have good rest and that I will be relying on God as I am continuing to learn about my new position.