Edible Flint creating buzz at Farmers’ Market

Edible Flint's stall at the Farmers' Market is a buzz of activity. Growers stand behind their crops, eager to talk about what they're selling and offer samples. Recipe cards sit in stacks on the table, offering unconventional uses for market staples. A map of the city hangs under the canopy with the participating gardens marked. Shoppers stop to talk and buy, pleased to discover these fruits and vegetables are being grown in their own neighborhoods.

Edible Flint is a combined effort of several Flint institutions, including Applewood Initiative, MSU Extension, Ruth Mott Foundation, Salem Housing, the Genesee County Land Bank and religious organizations.

The growers co-op began as a project of Edible Flint this spring to provide support to Flint residents to grow and access healthy food and help growers generate revenue and network, said grower Joanna Lehrman.

There are about 15 gardens participating in the co-op, Julie Darnton of MSU Master Gardner Extension Program said. Gardens must have their soil tested before they can sell produce. Organic methods are used by all participating growers. Technical assistance on growing practices is available. A core planning group meets weekly.

The co-op has sold its produce at the Farmers' Market since July 17. This is the first year Edible Flint has sold their produce. The group will be at the market 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Saturday "as long as we have fresh stuff to sell," said Darnton. Five growers participated the first Saturday, six the following Saturday.

The stall offers a wide range of products. Kale, zucchini, squash and peppers line the table alongside less common crops, such as purslane and lamb's quarters. Growers are present and happy to tell you that if you haven't had — or even heard of — purslane, for instance, is a "wild edible," great in salads and full of omega-3s.

"A lot of people have been weeding it out of their flower beds and throwing it on their compost pile. They didn't know they could eat it," Darnton laughed.

Michael Roose and his wife Charla are growers and master gardeners who participate in the Mission of Hope community garden. Being a part of the co-op, Michael said, has given him a network of contacts across the city.

"I've been gardening since I was a child. Now that I'm retired, it's great to be able to do this. A lot of people grew up and quit doing this. There's a disconnect between the generations," Roose said.

Roose said the effect on the North End has been "awesome." Drive past Industrial and Stewart avenue and you'll see community gardens everywhere and neighbors helping each other, Roose said.

Nic Custer said he became interested in gardening through the Peace Mob garden near Kearsley Park. Peace Mob produce is not yet for sale. Custer said the group is still waiting on the results of the soil sample, but they have been eating their own food. Until then, Custer is volunteering at the Farmers' Market stall.

Custer said he became involved with the garden, which comprises three vacant Land Bank properties on Illinois, because "it was an eyesore. I don't want people living near that if I can help it."

"People finally see something in the city working successfully," Custer said. "And it's good for people who live outside the city to come in and see good things being done."

Reception at the Farmers' Market has been very positive.

"People are surprised when they find out what we do. You get that 'Really?' response from some. Then you get those who have heard about us on the news and want to know more," Darnton said.

Profits return to the growers on a proportional basis. Everything unsold at the end of the day is either sold wholesale to local businesses or donated to nonprofit groups. Lehrman said she hopes to see the co-op's wholesale business expand. While downtown businesses such as the Lunch Studio are buying fresh vegetables, Lehrman hopes Witherbee's, Dale's and other markets begin to stock Edible Flint produce.

Lehrman, a New York native who moved to Flint after completing MSU's organic farmer certification, runs Flint Urban Farm on Ann Arbor Street. She said she sees urban agriculture as an answer to Flint's problems with unemployment and vacant properties.

"It's crucial for people to reuse vacant lots and growing provides revenue and supplemental income for people," she said.

"It's a few bucks made and a lot of awesome, good things done," Custer said.

Edible Flint will offer a free Food Garden Tour from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug.12. The tour will include two bus routes and a bicycle route. Free dinner and dessert will be provided. Spaces must be reserved by calling 257-3088 ext. 541 by Aug. 6.

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