This Week at Smart Markets Reston Farmers' Market

12001 Sunrise Valley Dr. Map

We may be singing, dancing, and shopping in the rain tomorrow, but I know better than to complain. The farmers need the rain, and so do you if you want to shop at a bountiful fall market, prepare an extravagantly fresh Thanksgiving Day feast, or host a holiday party where you can flaunt your commitment to buying local. All of that pretty much depends on the farmers getting some rain soon.

We will be open and will stay open unless the winds become too dangerous for our vendors and shoppers or if the rain threatens the products. Check our Facebook page for the latest updates -- if we must close early, we will post that. We do expect all of our vendors to attend, but we will also post any absences on Facebook.

We usually do not set up our Smart Markets tent when we know the weather may cause problems; the recipes do not hold up in the rain, and not having to worry about our own tent leaves us free to help our vendors if needed. This will be a great week to make some stock and freeze it for future use, to make Minestrone Soup out of the last of the summer veggies, or to make and enjoy Softly Simmered Onions and Comforting Shredded Beef. Or try Quick Beef and Barley Soup, Easy Lamb Stew, or Hearty Greens Salad with Bacon, Mushrooms and Blue Cheese.

I have always associated cooler temperatures with a warmer kitchen, which reminds me that we call the foods that are produced there “comfort foods.” So come on out, brave the elements while you shop, then retreat to the hearth and treat yourself to the flavors and aromas of this lovely time of year.

See you at the market!

From the Market Master

In Northern Virginia, we have been relatively unscathed by the recent recession, but many of us are feeling the effects of the government shutdown. It affects not so much the government workers who now know they will be paid for the lost time, but the recipients of government health and welfare programs who are not receiving care or services and those businesses that depend on government workers or contracts. Hopefully it reminds us that we do have a say in how these things play out and that it all comes down to deeds rather than words. Voting, rather than posturing, makes a difference in the end.

But in our system of government, we can also participate in other ways as laws and policies are under consideration. I often link to announcements and alerts from various organizations that care about the issues that directly affect your ability to shop for the produce, meats, and dairy that you want at a farmers’ market. Numerous groups are working to save the small family farmers and their farming methods, to preserve our freedom to choose the foods we want to eat, and to promote expansion of our access to additive-free foods. I have been receiving weekly updates about the farm bill from most of them, and occasionally I pass them along to you.

I know how easy it is to leave petition-signing, emailing, and phoning congressional offices to others, but each comment is tallied and means even more if it comes in your own words. You are capable of learning everything you need to know to form an opinion and share that opinion with a legislator or regulator. And you may now have time on your hands to do just that.

Make yourself useful for a larger purpose. Take a break zipping through that “Honey-Do” list or cleaning out the nearest closet. Visit one of the websites listed below, sign up for a newsletter and immerse yourself in these issues that will affect you sooner rather than later. The Farm Bill is still pending; new Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations are being considered, and several organizations need your support to continue their good work. The farmers you have come to know this season are depending on us — some will not be farming in the future if some of these laws are enacted and these regulations adopted.

The farmers are for you; let’s show them what you can do for them.

Here are some sites where you can learn about these issues:

• NonGMO Project
• Center for Food Safety
• Cornucopia Institute
• American Farmland Trust
• Farmers’ Market Coalition
• Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund