On Saturdays there is a farmer’s food market at 14th and Colorado Avenue, NW. On a recent Saturday, I visited only to find out that the vouchers offered by the D.C. Government, were not available. I wanted to know why. I introduced myself to the man in charge, Mr. James Coleman. He explained that the vouchers were on hold because of some near end-of-year audit and would be available again in mid-September. Several Saturdays later they were still not available. Some of us signed a petition to encourage the immediate re-issuance of the program. My understanding was that there were particular times that the Market Managers can go and pick up the vouchers. For a good reason on Mr. Coleman’s part, that did not happen. Mr. Coleman volunteers to help set up our market because he cares and he loves what he does. Hopefully, over the next year, the program can be extended and more administrative support and delivery services of the vouchers to the market can occur. This is a wonderful program that brings healthy, fresh organic food directly to the neighborhoods across the city. Those like me who are pedestrians, bus, Metro and sometimes taxis riders really need and can appreciate weekly and accessible access to fresh farm grown produce. The markets are of extreme benefit to seniors, young children, the disabled and those in need of extra nutritional food that’s tastier than a bag of chips or an overloaded sugary candy bar. It is also a great social event where you can meet farmers, neighbors and other visitors and even exchange recipes and get new ideas for preparing new foods. Thank you Mr. Coleman for the good job that you do.
Note: If you like free range organic meats, fresh peaches, eggplants, lettuce, acorn and spaghetti squash, olive oil infusions, Kalamata olives, goats cheese homemade jams, breads, fresh ground Kenyan and other international coffees, then the 14th and Colorado market is great. I have also visited the Foggy Bottom Market at 23rd and the Vermont Avenue Market. They are all fantastic for lovers and connoisseurs of fresh food. Eat, live and Bon appetite! Enjoy.
