Small Potatoes Sales & Marketing: The Blog

2 Simple Ideas to Radically Change the Food System, and Improve Our Health and Economy

2012-02-07T14:08:00.000-05:00

1. Take all the farm bill money that subsidizes rice, cotton, corn, and soybeans and use it to subsidize the cost of labor on fruit and vegetable farms that sell in an area 250 miles or less from the farm. And by "subsidize the cost of labor", I mean use the money to pay farm workers. The number one cost of nearly any business is labor. Wanna keep the cost of food down? Keep the cost of labor and down , as well as the miles to market. You can increase the marketplace for farmers wanting to sell within the 250 mile radius by doing the following...

2. Tax high fructose corn syrup as if it were tobacco or alcohol. Obesity is an epidemic in our country, fueled by HFCS. It is clogging our health care industry and killing us. Spend the tax revenue to subsidize farm to school programs across the country. Feed kids healthy, locally grown food everyday and teach them where it comes from, how to get it, and what to do with it.

And that's it. Nothing fancy. It's achievable. It's not anything our infrastructure couldn't absorb. Well yours or mine. It could change the infrastructure of the Krafts, the Coca-Colas, and the Cargills, but when was the last time they did anything for us anyway?

Keeping Sparky's Spark Alive

2012-01-31T10:32:00.002-05:00

SAVE THIS DATE! Sunday, February 26, 2012

KEEPING SPARKY’S SPARK ALIVE

photo © joan farrenkopf
! FUNDRAISER !

(donations at the door welcomed)

OPEN HOUSE 1- 5pm
LIVE MUSIC • FOOD • RAFFLE • OPEN MIC!
1 – 2pm Atlantic Flyway, 2 – 4pm Open Mic/Sparky stories,
4 – 5pm Hanna Richardson & Phil Flanigan

at ArtRage, 505 Hawley Ave., Syracuse ~ 315.218.5711

~ RAFFLE ~
Many Amazing Prizes including a Nook, digital camera, gifts cards and more!
Raffle Tickets on sale at Sparky Town and ArtRage

This fundraiser is to help offset the estate costs associated with Sparky's death. We sincerely appreciate all donations for this cause.
If you'd like to donate online NOW, please get out your credit card and use the following PayPal link.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=ZFSTU48HYELFG&lc=US&item_name=Keeping%20Sparky%27s%20Spark%20Alive%20Fundraiser&currency_code=USD&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF%3abtn_donateCC_LG%2egif%3aNonHosted

Thank You's All Around

2012-01-26T11:43:00.000-05:00

Last night was the third and final event in the #CNYFood Speaker & Film Series. On one hand I have a sense of relief that it's finished (for now), and on the other it was really a lot of fun to work on, and I wish we could've featured every speaker who was nominated. Heather Hawkins' talk last night was stirring and passionate, and a great way to finish up .

Besides telling us about the inequity in the farm bill, and the dangers of genetically modified foods, Heather praised the work of many of the folks that are committed to making the CNYFood System a sustainable pillar of our community. A lot of the folks she shouted out helped to make this series possible and deserve thanks again. Of course, this wouldn't have happened without my wonderful and hard working co-organizers over at Slow Food CNY. And our sponsors Wellness from Within, Recess Coffee, the Sweet Praxis, Syracuse Food Co-op, and American Farmstead Cheese. Not to mention our gracious hosts at the Redhouse Arts Center, as well as the Redhouse Cafe and our musical accompaniment, ToTs.

And most of all, thanks to everyone who attended, nominated speakers, and helped spread the word, I'm looking at you Syracuse First, Syracuse Guru, & Pulled Into Syracuse. I know I've left someone out, apologies. It's not intentional, it's just late night, and I can't remember everyone at the moment. It's inspiring to see so much interest in learning about our food system. I'd love to hear back about what people thought about the series. What worked, what didn't. Why you came out, stuff like that. If you're interested in weighing in you can shoot me an email at marty@iamsmallpotatoes.com.

So keep a look out for the next edition of the CNYFood Speaker and Film series. It's gonna be a little while, but it's coming!

Better Brittle Chosen as One of the Saveur 100

2012-01-16T10:37:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Syracuse, NY January 16, 2012

What do a Norwegian liquor, the island of Bali, fish cookbooks, and Syracuse’s own Better Brittle all have in common? Each were chosen as part of the Saveur 100. Every year Saveur Magazine scours the planet for the best meals, restaurants, cook books, kitchen tools, beverages, and food products. They call these 100 items “instant classics” and feature them in their first issue of the year. Saveur is one of the premier food publications in the world, having won dozens of publication and food awards, including 15 James Beard journalism awards.

After four years of hand making their brittle three pounds at a time, lugging cases of product, tables, and displays to the farmers market, knocking on doors, and many long days turning into late nights, it’s fair to say that Better Brittle wouldn’t call their success instant. But those who’ve tried the sweet treat will testify, the instant you taste it, you’ve got to have more.

Based on a Ghanaian snack called “nkati cake”, Better Brittle finds its sublime flavor in the balance of three simple ingredients: peanuts grown in Virginia and the Carolinas, organic fair trade cane sugar, and salt from the Seneca Salt Company in the Finger Lakes. Sweet and savory. The perfect storm of taste.

Better Brittle started by selling only direct to consumers at the Central New York Regional Market on Saturdays, then started selling at a few stores around Syracuse, and in the last 2 years has been spotted on the shelves at natural and gourmet retailers around the Northeast. Is 2012 the year Better Brittle takes over the rest of the country? Saveur thinks they could.

To see Better Brittle in the Saveur 100, pick up a copy of the Saveur January/February 2012 issue, or visit their website: http://www.saveur.com/article/Kitchen/saveur-100-better-brittle

Better Brittle is available at natural food and gourmet retailers across the northeastern U.S., at the CNY Regional Market every Saturday, and at Bluetree, Better Brittle’s storefront at 558 Westcott St. in Syracuse.

Have You Met Heather Hawkins yet?

2012-01-11T16:41:00.001-05:00

2 weeks from today is the third, and final, installment of the Slow Food CNY Speaker and Film series. We are pleased to be hosting Heather Hawkins.

Known for her passion and commitment, Heather has dedicated herself to fostering food advocacy initiatives in the Central New York area. She has a long history of community involvement, including coordinating numerous events to promote awareness and interest in the Syracuse Valley community, as a Board member of the Skaneateles Area Arts Council, a participating founding member of Syracuse First, and involvement with her alma mater Georgetown University at both the local and national levels.

She also has worked hard champion small local food producers, humane and locally raised meats, consumer education, community service and involvement with multiple regional farmers markets. Leveraging her education and experience, she also led development and implementation of label reading tours for diabetics in association with the American Diabetes Association and Novo Nordisk.

She has received the Valley Champion award from the Meachem Area Parks Association, the Axilda Chadwick Humanitarian award presented to the Hawkins family and Green Hills, in addition to awards and recognition for promoting recycling, sustainability and inspiring others.

Heather continues to promote food advocacy, belief in small local food producers, and environmentalism as member of Baltimore Woods, recently helping to organize EnvIRONmental CHEF-HOMEGROWN and Syracuse First's Buy LOCAL bash. Inspired by Newell Street Community Garden's "Learning to Learn" series, in cooperation with the community, Heather and several organizations are working together to plan a Food/Health/Education/Sustainability Festival in June 2012, sponsored by Syracuse First and Farmshed 2.0

As part of her family’s innovative work in the nation’s food retailing industry through her role overseeing the Food Awareness Practice for the Center for Advancing Retail & Technology, Heather is engaged in promoting and facilitating best practices to support regional access, food justice, sustainability and parity for small family farms and businesses.

Phew. that's a mouthful. You can hear her tell it herself on Wednesday January 25 at the Redhouse Cafe. The event is free, open to the public, and begins at 7. There will be aa handful of local food producers giving out samples, and selling their wares beginning at 5. Following Heather we will be screening No One Ever Went Hungry: Cajun Food Traditions Then & Now.

Our End of the Year Slumber is Over

2012-01-02T21:34:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone had a pleasant round of holidays. Things were quiet over here at Small Potatoes, but things are going to be heating up in January. I've been sitting on a pile of exciting new items, which will reveal themselves shortly. So much exciting stuff happening around the food system.

Just after New Years last year, I stumbled across the event TEDx Manhattan. Besides getting the incredible opportunity to attend the event in Manhattan, I also conspired with Slow Food CNY and the Syracuse Community Test Kitchen to host a viewing party here in Syracuse. Ours was one of hundreds of such parties around the world. This year I find myself in a position where I simply can't host a party (and, in fact, am double booked the day of the event itself). Luckily for all of us, there is an endless gaggle of progressive organizations trying to make the CNY food system the best it can be.

Enter Slow Food Mohawk Valley, The Foodshed Buying Club, and Slow Food Hamilton. They will be hosting a viewing party for this year's TEDxManhattan: Changing the Way We Eat at Hamilton College. The viewing party will be held from 10 am to 6pm at KJ Aud at Hamilton College in Clinton. Hamilton College is just under an hour away from the Small Potatoes headquarters here in Syracuse.

The event is free with breakfast & afternoon snack will be provided. Lunch will be offered by Bon Appetit for a nominal fee, or you may bring your own lunch. The event is free, but you must register in advance, which you can do here. I bet you could find some other foodies to catch a ride out there with if you asked.

TEDxManhattan “Changing the Way We Eat” will take place January 21st, 2012, in New York City. The one-day event will highlight several aspects of the sustainable food movement and the work being done to shift our food system from industrially-based agriculture to one in which healthy, nutritious food is accessible to all. Featuring various speakers from the food & farming industry, the day will certainly be full of insight.

CNYFood Speaker & Film Series Part 2 Wrap Up

2011-12-21T11:41:00.000-05:00

I've been delayed in posting about our last CNYFood Speaker & Film Series event, in part because I've been trying to digest Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows beautiful inspiring speech. I've also been delayed because I got a puppy the next morning, but this isn't the place to talk about how adorable my puppy is.

We were treated at the beginning of the night to goodies from The Sweet Praxis (who were recently chosen by Syracuse Guru as one Syracuse's Top 5 Holiday Gift Ideas, Consumables Division) and some delicious locally sourced pumpkin soup from the Redhouse Cafe.

Jennifer's heartfelt words about our food system talked about how far we've come since she moved to our community 7 years ago, and gave us a road map on how to keep the momentum going now that she's leaving. The part that struck me the most was about being an evangelist for our food system. But more on that in a seperate post. We were also lucky enough to have one of the filmmakers from Romura Film & Video capturing Jennifer's talk, so stay tuned for that. In the meantime, check out their website. And to close the evening, we had a special unplugged performance from Tots.

All in all it was another great event, many thanks all around. Keep an eye out for details on the third and final installment in this series which will be on January 25, 2012!

And the 2011 Small Potatoes Employee of the Year Award Goes to....

2011-12-19T18:21:00.000-05:00

He's the one on the left. Your left.

Christoper Michel! Small Potatoes had a great year in 2011. We expanded our operation into New York City, and without the dedicated work (and not completely uncomfortable futon) of Mr. Michel, we couldn't have seen the successes we have. He oversaw our operations in the city, lugged boxes, printed endless piles of recipes, kept the van moving (despite logic saying it couldn't or shouldn't), and provided sound perspective when I had none.

I can be a difficult person to work with, and Chris showed patience beyond reason and commitment to the cause. So thank you. Some of you may recall last years winner received an all expenses paid trip to Greece. This years winner is getting a bottle of bourbon. Hey, what can I say? Employees are expensive.

So congratulations, Mr. Michel and enjoy the booze. When it gets there. Which should be soonish.

Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows

2011-12-14T15:19:00.000-05:00

I've been contemplating this post now for weeks. And here we are the afternoon of Jennifer's appearance at the CNYFood Speaker & Film Series, co-hosted by Small Potatoes and Slow Food CNY, and I'm still in contemplation mode. What can I possibly say about Jennifer's influence on our food system? Or her influence on me personally? I don't even know where to begin.

So I thought I'd share some moments, and maybe a few thoughts, in no particular order. I first met Jennifer when I was a grocer, and she was a patron. We got to know each other over food. She helped to shape my perspectives and asked good questions (a quality I highly prize in a person). Where does this chicken come from? What did this beef feed on, corn or grass? Why can't I get butter produced here when they're able to buy it in New York City? She was also quick to share foods she loved, and thought I might love. She made me a better grocer every day.

I also was lucky enough to have her as my editor when wrote for the New Leaf. She took my half formed, poorly executed thoughts, and turned them into something more powerful and clear. I'm proud of the articles I wrote while working with her. If I hadn't written those articles, I wouldn't be the writer I am now (this wandering, poorly executed blog entry aside). The fact that I'm even posting to a blog is due to Jennifer's influence. I had never, not once, read a blog, until I read Cookin' in the 'Cuse. On top of that, the first blog entry I ever wrote, was a guest blogger on Cookin'. I considered it an honor then, and still do. She made me a better writer.

Speaking of Cookin' in the 'Cuse, when Jennifer first posted in May 2005, there was limited, if any resources, to find out about local food in our area. This was before Edible Finger Lakes, Farmshed CNY, Slow Food CNY, Syracuse First, Small Potatoes you name it. Cookin' in the 'Cuse is where it started. We all owe her a debt of gratitude. Without her pioneering work, who knows if we would get to do the work we do.

If I had to pick one thing about Jennifer that I think that is most powerful and noteworthy, it would have to be her generosity. Her generosity of time, of ideas, and of spirit have uplifted our community, and for that I am grateful.

If you would like to Jennifer for her contributions to our community, you can do so tonight at the Redhouse, where she will be the featured speaker. Food specials start at 5, event starts at 7.

Fair Justice Certified. Fair Trade Done Locally.

2011-12-12T09:32:00.000-05:00

Food is a complex issue, both personally and for a community. Even when you grow it yourself, you have to weigh your priorities. Organic or non-organic. GMO or non-GMO seed. Food allergies. The relationship of the other plants in your yard to your soil quality. Raised beds, hydroponics, heirloom.Whatever it may be.

When you add other people's relationships to the food you eat, like farmers and their labor force, the issues become even more complex, and consumers have more things to consider. All these new factors play into price, and as consumers we often rank their value on how much they affect that price. Organic. Locally produced. Grass fed. Is it subsidized? What kind of a store did you buy it from? Often lost in that mix is the wage and treatment of farm workers. Consumers weigh all these factors and ultimately, price is the defining factor for a vast majority of Americans. Even if a consumer does choose to consider social equity, it is difficult for a them to even know what fair means.

Fair trade programs are a response to that. First they work to define a level of treatment and payment, then they develop a certification process, and lastly they let consumers know what meet the standards by offering a label for items meeting these standards.

Fair trade programs began in impoverished nations to help coffee, chocolate, and tea farmers receive appropriate compensation for their products. Now they have spread globally in a wide range of industries. In Europe, hundreds of items can be certified fair trade. Clothing, soccer balls, wine, oils, textiles. They see fair trade more as an alternative economic model, as opposed to a social welfare program.

Despite being a $5 billion international marketplace, we're just beginning to see fair trade take root with producers here in the United States. First, U.S. marketplaces were introduced to products grown internationally coffee, chocolate, tea, sugar, rice, bananas, etc. Then we saw some domestic fair trade products, products grown in the US and sold around the country, almonds, cranberries, pecans. Now we're seeing the first local fair labels being used for products grown and sold within their local communities.

To meet fair trade standards producers need to pay more for labor, use different growing practices, and provide for their employees in different ways. The certification process takes time. There is lots of paperwork and accounting. While a consumer in a shop may just see a label, they need to consider what all of the dollars they're forking over are going towards. They should also consider that seeing that label means investigating they don't need to do. The money they pay is going to improve their community and the communities where the food is produced. And with the label they know exactly how.

In New York State, we can look towards the groundbreaking work of NOFA-NY to see a fair trade program about to launch. The standards have been developed. The certification process is set. And the label is ready to get stuck to some jugs of milk, watermelons, and coffee. Now all we need to do is let everyone we can find know about it, and get them to tell a friend about. Not to mention the most important thing of all. Buy Fair Trade.

Did You Know That CNYFood Speaker & FIlm Series Sponsor Recess Coffee is Turning 5?

2011-12-10T15:21:00.000-05:00

According to the internet, between 50-95% of all small businesses fail in their first 5 years. So what do you do if if you are one the fabled businesses that not only survives those first 5 years, but in fact flourishes? If you're Recess Coffeehouse & Roastery, you throw a party for the for all of the folks that have supported Recess through the years.

To celebrate 5 years of roastin', bakin', and rippin' espresso's, the fellas from Recess Coffee will be hosting a shindig for the folks that have supported them through the years. A business's success is as much about the hard work and vision of the owners as it is the community that supports that business.

And this party isn't going to be all coffee and cookies, either. Think live music. Lots of it. And food. From Alto Cinco. And art. Mark your calendars. December 23, 2011. Starts at 6 pm. Ends at 1 am. The party will be at the Spark Contemporary Art Space and Badlands, located at 1005-1007 Fayette St. in Syracuse.

Attendees will be treated to a packed line-up of musical guests featuring Mandate of Heaven (from Syracuse, NY), White Picket Fence (Syracuse), Ohne-Ka and the Burning River (Syracuse), Rust Empire (Syracuse/Oswego, NY), Rejouissance (Syracuse/Brooklyn,NY), Genetic Infantrymen (Oswego), and Padna (Brooklyn).

Tickets are $7. The first 100 advance ticket sales come with FREE screen-printed show poster!! Advance tickets can be purchased at Recess, Alto Cinco, Badlands, Craft Chemistry, and Bluetree.

Recess Coffee House & Roastery is located at 110 Harvard Place, in the heart of the Westcott nation. They are committed to only roasting fairly traded, organic coffee beans. There coffee is available across New York State. They also bake a wide selection of cookies, cakes, muffins, cupcakes, and scones. The coffee and baked goods are always fresh and made in house. They are proud member of Syracuse First
###

For more information contact:
Jesse Daino or Adam Williams
410-0090
www.recesscoffee.com
recesscoffee@yahoo.com

Thanks to the Newest Sponsor for the CNYFood Speaker & Film Series

2011-12-10T15:16:00.001-05:00


	Without the support of sponsors from around the CNYFood community, the upcoming CNYFood Speaker and Film Series presented in collaboration with Slow Food CNY, wouldn't be possible.
	The Syracuse Real Food Co-op is a full-line natural foods market that boasts an organic produce department, large organic bulk foods section, and vegetarian deli. Conveniently located off Westcott Street, in the outer neighborhood of Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, the co-op is a beehive of activity. Although cooperatively owned by 2,200+ member owners, you need not be a member to shop at the co-op. Amidst the array of colorful delights you will find local dairy products and eggs, meats that were raised organically on local family farms, wild-caught seafood, fresh-baked breads, wellness and natural body care products, and much more. And now after many years of threatening to do so, the co-op is featuring a wide variety of BEER! Microbrewed, local, and seasonal BEER! What makes dinner taste better? BEER? How bout chips & salsa? You got it. BEER! Now that I think about, lot's of stuff goes well with BEER! Well, they've got it, and its the good stuff. Distinguishing itself from other markets with its exceptional customer service, the co-op has been a source of sustenance and refuge to generations of Syracuse residents and visitors. Nestled in the historic University neighborhood, the co-op has been in continuous operation since 1972.

The Sweet Praxis

2011-12-08T23:36:00.000-05:00

A couple days ago, the Huffington Post named macarons one of the 11 biggest food trends of 2011. If you shopped the Central New York Regional Market this summer, you already knew that. Each week shoppers were treated to macarons (not to mention mini cupcakes, whoopie pies, dog snacks) made with local and seasonal ingredients. The Sweet Praxis uses "pure + organic ingredients" while producing beautiful, and often gluten free treats in countless combinations of flavors.

On Wednesday they will be joining us at the CNYFood Speaker & Film & Potato Rap & Macaron Slow Food CNY End of the Year Shuhblammo, showing off some of their new holiday flavors. They'll be sampling out macarons, selling individual cookies, and 6-pack boxes. Still hungry? They'll also be selling minicakes individually or by the 4-pack .

Their holiday macaron flavors include: ginger spice, peppermint patty, hot chocolate (a personal fave right now - a hint of cinnamon and cayenne), cranberry, and their classic almond. The holiday minicake flavors include: eggnog, gingerbread, peppermint patty, white chocolate cranberry, and sugar cookie.

Wanna share? They're offering gift certificates (perfect stocking stuffers!) and taking orders for the holidays that can either be picked up at the Regional Market or delivered within a 5 mile radius of downtown. And yes, they do take credit cards, so get some of your holiday shopping done while coming out to the Redhouse this Wednesday, December 14. The event starts at 7, but the Sweet Praxis will be there at 5 feeding you goodies. Come early, seating is limited.

TEE 2 the OH 2 the TEE.

2011-12-08T09:28:00.001-05:00

At the premiere of the CNYFood Speaker & Film Series, I was, as I sometimes do, trying to figure out how to make something awesome even awesomer. Peanut butter is awesome. Chocolate and peanut butter is awesomer. Jimmy Page? Awesome. Jimmy Page and Robert Plant? Awesomer. CNYFood Speaker & Film? Awesome. CNYFood Speaker & Film & MUSIC? Awesomer.

But since we were featuring a food speaker and a food movie, we were gonna need some food music, right? We could've invited Cream, The Cranberries, Cake, Meatloaf, Banarama, Korn, or the Smashing Pumpkins, but they're food related musicians in name only. Then, while sitting there in the front row, I glanced to my left and there he was. ToTs. Syracuse's own underground, homegrown potato rapper. All potatoes, all the time. Don't believe me? Check it out below.

Tots - Crispy on the Outside from james domroe on Vimeo.

We asked, he accepted, and this thing is going down. This Wednesday, December 14. Event starts at 7pm at the Redhouse Arts Center, 201 South West Street in Syracuse. In the meantime keep an ear out for his new Holiday single, "Two Tater wit all the Toppins" featuring Spud Bubz. Need to hear more ToTs right now? Check out his NEW Youtuber page. You ever heard of this thing called the facebook? He's on there too. Also worth mentioning, dude wears some fly threads.

Meet CNYFood Speaker & Film Series Sponsor Wellness From Within

2011-12-07T19:53:00.001-05:00

The CNYFood Speaker & Film Series being hosted by Slow Food CNY and Small Potatoes is made possible because of the support of our generous sponsors. One of those sponsors is Wellness From Within, a private health counseling company operated by Heather McCoy, CHHC AADP, Cerified Holistic Health and Nutrition Coach. Her goal is to support people through private counseling and by giving them the tools they need to create a healthy body and mind through a whole foods diet and lifestyle.

WfW teaches clients how to live their healthiest life through diet and lifestyle changes. They have specialized knowledge in digestive diseases such as Celiac, IBS and Colitis and weight loss without deprivation. It is their belief that there is no one diet that works for everyone. It is their goal to help clients find a way of eating that fits them, their bodies, and their life.

For the month of December, Heather is writing a blog series to help people maintain their balance during the Holidays. She'll be giving weekly tips to help people enjoy the holiday's without depriving themselves but also without putting on the dreaded holiday bulge.

Here's a link to post and tip #1.

Heather's work also comes with a personal recommendation. I've been fortunate enough to get counseling with Heather, and have attended a few of her workshops & speaking engagements. She is knowledgeable, thoughtful, and her tips are manageable. It's not about setting unrealistic goals. It's about knowing what works for you and helping you in accomplishing it.If you read my blog much, you know I'm big on taking small changes that you can commit to, and Heather is all about that.

So thank you Heather and WfW for helping make this event happen! Be sure to like them on Facebook, and to follow along on Twitter.

If you are interested in sponsoring an upcoming event, let us know! The next one is January 25, and we still have need for a few more generous sponsors. For more information shoot me an email at marty@iamsmallpotatoes.com with the subject line "Hell yeah I'd like to be a sponsor! Or at least I'd like some more information so I could consider it." Or something like that. We'll get the picture.

Food Stamped

2011-12-06T20:51:00.000-05:00

The Newhouse Communications Center here in Syracuse last month reported that "the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) program has given out 9.2 million dollars in food stamps this year in Onondaga county." They go on to report that the program isn't able to keep up to the needs of the hungry. This story echoes that of many communities around the nation.

In collaboration with Slow Food CNY, Small potatoes will be hosting a screening of the documentary Food Stamped. The film follows filmmakers Shira and Yoav Potash as they try to eat healthy on a food stamp budget. Small Potatoes and Slow Food CNY will be hosting a screening as part of our CNYFood Speaker & Film series on Wednesday December 14th.Marion Nestle, author of "Food Politics" and "What to Eat" says "Food Stamped is a warm, delightful, and entertaining film with a serious message. Everyone should see this film." It was winner for Best Documentary at the Lighthouse Film Festival, and was chosen for a Feature Jury Prize at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival.

FOOD STAMPED official trailer from Yoav Potash on Vimeo.

Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, will be speaking at the event, and the the potato themed rapper, ToTs will be performing. The event will be at the RedHouse Arts Center, located at 201 South West Street in Sracuse. It begins at 7pm and is FREE and open to the public. Redhouse Cafe will be offering a soup and salad special beginning at 5. Seating is limited so please arrive early.

Slow Food Speaker & Film Series: Part the Deux

2011-12-05T15:11:00.004-05:00

The second event in our three part CNYFood Speaker & Film series, presented in collaboration with Slow Food CNY, is only 9 days away. And I've got to say, I'm pretty excited. Our speaker, Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, has been a huge influence on my work (not to mention so much of the work happening around our food system). It's an an honor to host her as she prepares to relocate to Chicago.

Jennifer is the author of the food blog Cookin' in the Cuse, the Syracuse Contributing Editor for Edible Finger Lakes magazine, and has been published in the Post Standard as well as the anthology Bread, Body, Spirit. She currently serves as Rector (head pastor) of Grace Episcopal Church and Episcopal chaplain at Syracuse University, and will be joining the Diocese of Chicago as Director of Networking. She is also a mother and a triathlete.

Following Jennifer we will be showing the documentary Food Stamped, an informative and humorous film that follows a couple as they attempt to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet on a food stamp budget.

And if that's not enough to bring you out into the cold Syracuse evening, then how 'bout Syracuse's HOT potato rapper, Tots? He'll be mashing up the stage that night too.

This event is December 14, begins at 7, is FREE and open to the public,. It will held at the Redhouse Arts Center, located at 201 South West Street Syracuse, NY.

This series is the result of a community effort to strengthen the local food system through networking, collaboration, and education. In February 2011, Slow Food CNY, Small Potatoes, Syracuse Community Test Kitchen and the South Side Innovation Center hosted a simulcast of TEDxManhattan: Changing the Way We Eat conference. Following the event members of the CNYFood System have been hosting meetings and networking events to discuss how to improve the economy, environment, health, and culture of Central New York by improving and celebrating our food.

The speakers were chosen by a jury of food system advocates from Edible Finger Lakes Magazine, B.C. Restaurant, and Syracuse University from candidates nominated by the public.

It is sponsored by Wellness from Within, who offer Holistic Health and Nutrition Coaching. Without the generous support of sponsors events like this wouldn't possible.

How Did You Learn to Shop?

2011-11-29T19:53:00.001-05:00

I've been spending a lot of time lately talking about and contemplating the #ShiftYourShopping campaign. And as I always do, I thought about how our food system plays a part.

Most of us learned to shop by shopping for food with our family. We learned about figuring out what we need, how to comparison shop (whether it be by price, quality, or other category). We learned to hunt for deals, take advantage of those deals, etc. We learned about brand loyalty, or lack of it. We learned to compare apples to apples, apples to oranges, and off brand cereal to the real deal.

We also develop habits that stick with us. They color the way we shop for everything else. If you were raised going out of your way to buy fresh bread at the bakery, veggies at the farm stand, and picking your own apples and strawberries, seems likely that you're also going to think about where your shoes are made, where your coffee mug is printed, and probably even go out your way to buy some things. If you learned to buy the cheapest food or the flashiest package, then chances are that will creep into your other shopping as well. Of course, people are diverse, and the number of things people weigh when considering shopping choices is equally diverse, but when it comes to our instinctual choices, it can be the habits we developed in our youth that tip the scales.

If you think that might be true, and if you want to change to your shopping habits to be more locally conscious, than it stands to reason that if you build good habits while shopping for food, you'll start to build good habits shopping for other things. And that's where the big change comes from. While the "shift" may be the story, it's the habit that produces the big, impactful improvements to our communities.

And changing your habits with food is easier than you think. It's not like going vegan for a life long meat eater. I have a handful of items that I buy every week when I food shop. It's not on the list because I pretty much always need it. Coffee, eggs, cheese, and ice cream. It's as easy as starting there. Commit to a handful of items that you use all the time, and then watch. When they become a local habit, you'll notice locality creeping into your mind with other items. Soap. Then beef. Then cereal. And shoes. Next thing you know you'll be sporting a Syracuse First shirt, asking your neighbor if they were going to shift their holiday shopping to support the local economy. And it really is that simple. Small, manageable changes that you stick to for good. Then a few more. And you can start the next time you buy food, which likely will be very, very soon.

#ShiftYourShopping

Bluetree Brings Fair Trade Home on Westcott Street

2011-11-23T12:51:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bluetree Brings Fair Trade Home on Westcott Street

Bluetree celebrates it’s Grand Opening Friday November 25, and lasting until Sunday December 4. Stocking only fairly traded or locally produced goods, Bluetree has a new home on Westcott Street, but has it’s roots in Ghana. After attending university in Ghana, Christiana Semabia returned to Syracuse committed to celebrating the craftspeople of Ghana, while supporting their economic empowerment.

She started Bluetree Studios, which purchases and sells Bolga baskets, jewelry, and fabric under a fair trade model, where the entire wholesale amount is paid to the craftspeople, instead of to shipping agents, brokers, and others. After 8 years of selling baskets and jewelry at the CNY Regional Market, art shows, and other events, Semabia has set up shop in the heart of the bustling University neighborhood, at 558 Westcott Street. Bolga baskets have increased in popularity so much in the last few years, that some companies are copying their distinct style while outsourcing production to countries where they can pay as little as possible. Bluetree’s baskets always come direct from producers in Ghana.

Bluetree is also home base for Better Brittle, Semabia’s award winning, West African inspired peanut snack. What initially began as a small table at her Bluetree booth at the Regional Market, has now taken on a life of it’s own and exploded on the food scene across the Northeast. It is now available at over 70 stores, from Buffalo to Northampton, MA, and Burlington, VT to New York City. And now it can be found (along with endless free sample) on Westcott Street.

Besides selling fair trade baskets, jewelry, fabric, and of course Better Brittle. Bluetree is also stocking locally produced products from Recess Coffee, Divine Brine, Syracuse Soapworks, Mu Mu Muesli, as well as custom sculptures and leatherworks. It will also be offering gift baskets for the holiday season. There will have a live demo Saturday 11/26 3-5pm by local wildlife and custom pet sculptor Debra Minette Green. All of the products Bluetree carries are made locally, or purchased directly from the artisans.

Bluetree’s grand opening is also in conjunction with Shop Syracuse Week, sponsored by Syracuse First and the Westcott Winter Weekend. Beginning Nov 25 The store is open Tuesday-Friday 12-8, Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-4, and by chance or appointment.

For more information Contact Christiana Semabia.
Ph: 315.727.6941
Email: bluetreestudios@yahoo.com
Bluetree Studios
PO Box 15329, Syracuse, NY 13215
www.BluetreeStudios.com
www.BetterBrittle.com

##ShiftYourShopping #ShopSyracuseWeek #BetterBrittle

Remembering Sparky

2011-11-22T19:59:00.003-05:00

Being an enretpreneur can try a person's soul. There are moments where you feel as if you are standing on an island alone, just off shore. You can see the land, you know you need to get back there, and you just aren't 100% sure anymore that you can swim that distance. In moments like these, I've found myself nibbling on a Pollo Loco sandwich at Sparkytown, before stopping to say hello to Sparky. Then Sparky, without knowing that I had let this seed of doubt sit in the sun a moment longer than I should have, would say something insightful, humbling, and motivating. I knew in an instant she knew my plight. She'd been there and back, twice over. She would tell me how much she appreciated the work I do, and how much she appreciated me supporting her work. Then she would tell me about some other community members she appreciated, quick to ask if I'd met them yet, and if not, I knew it wouldn't be long before I met them dining nearby in the near future. I could walk out the door and without hesitation dive headlong into the sea in front of me, paddle strong for shore, and know with confidence I could get there.

I've wondered to myself how she could possibly know that was what I needed in that exact moment, and writing this it occurred to me. It's because every time I saw Sparky she took some time to tell me that she appreciated me, that she appreciated another person, and that she wanted to make sure that we took a moment to get to know each other. I've met more people, all of whom are working hard to make Syracuse the best city it can be, at Sparkytown. I think Sparky would say that it's community members like those that make Sparkytown the vibrant place that it is, but it's places like Sparky's that make our community the vibrant place it is.

Sparky described her menu as "Fresh, Healthy Comfort Food", but I found the most comfort in Sparky.

There will be a Celebration Memorial for "Sparky" Linda Mortimer at May Memorial on East Geneesee Street on Sunday November 27, 3 -4 pm. All are welcome to attend.

#ShiftYourShopping #ShopCNY

2011-11-18T20:00:00.001-05:00

In a story posted today on Syracuse.com, Bob Niedt asked shoppers across Central New York to tweet their shopping experiences this holiday season by using the #ShopCNY hashtag. He wants CNY consumers to be the story. I'm hoping the story that's told is one of consumers choosing to spend their dollars at locally owned independent businesses. Syracuse First is promoting a national campaign called #ShiftYourShopping. Over 100 member businesses will be participating in Shop Syracuse Week.

At a time when more and more people are having conversations about income inequality, unemployment, workers rights, etc. , we have an opportunity to take part in a national movement to shift real dollars back into our communities. Bank Transfer Day recently saw 650,000 people shift $4.5 billion into credit unions, effectively removing those funds from the clutches of corporate banks. You know the ones I'm talking about. The ones that profit billions of dollars a year, while not paying taxes, and getting government handouts to boot. Syracuse First reports that a 10% shift in holiday shopping this year would result in $45 billion being recirculated into local economies. That's a story I want to hear told.

And the best part is that we can choose to do it. No, "Well, what can you do?". This is what you can do. Shop local for this holiday season. That's it. You're done. Want to also help get that story told? Then tweet what you buy or where you buy it and use #ShiftYourShopping and #ShopCNY on Twitter. If you need help finding a local place to buy something, check out www.syracusefirst.org.

Buy. Local. Bash.

2011-11-18T14:04:00.000-05:00

The holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving is now days away (you've order your free range local turkey right?). And with the holidays comes, you guessed it, shopping. For a lot of folks that means opening their wallet, taking their moeny out, and stuffing it into the pockets of folks that don't live here and who couldn't care less about your community. Enter, Syracuse First.

Now if you've read this blog before, you know what Syracuse First is all about. It's about spending your nickles on businesses based in your community, and the economic impact it can have. And once a year they throw a a giant, low down, high class, booty shakin' Par-tay, the Buy Local Bash. The Buy Local Bash kicks off Shop Syracuse Week by celebrating all that's great from Syracuse. Food, beer, wine, chocolate, music, you name it. For $20 ($25 at the door) you'll get to eat some of the tastiest morsels this side of Onondaga Creek. And wash it down with brews from Middle Ages and Empire and wine from Owera Vineyards. Didn't I also mention booty shakin'? The roots rockin', blues bustin, and yeah, booty shakin' inducing Los Blancos is going to be tearing up the stage.

It's the party of the year. And, it just so happens to be Syracuse First's largest fundraiser of the year. Syracuse First exists to support the community, but also because of the support of the community. Besides the vittles, grog, and tunes, there will be a silent auction featuring some of the great companies Syracuse First works to promote. Small Potatoes is putting together an auction item with Bluetree. Curious as to what it is? then come to the bash, cuz that's the only place you'll see it. You can get tickets at Recess Coffee, online here, and other spots around town.

Where & When

Monday November 21,2011
6pm-9pm

Benjamin's on Franklin
314 Franklin St.
Hitoric Armomry Square

We have Liftoff

2011-11-17T19:43:00.003-05:00

The Slow FooD CNY's CNYFood Speaker & Film Series launch last night at the Redhouse was a blast. Chef Steve Landon's (pictured) enlightening discussion about the roadblocks kitchens face to fill plates with healthy local food was insightful and humorous. We should be excited here in Central New York that Steve has brought his talents and passion to our region. His words were echoed by the film portion of the evening.

Farmageddon gave a further glimpse into the battles farmers fight to bring us the most healthy and nutritious food they can. It highlighted some of the best in sustainable farm practices from all over the country, including farms right here in Central New York. One of the battles talked about in the film was that of raw milk. We heard about the great lengths that people were willing to go get this nutritious, traditional, and hard to get product. We were also lucky enough to have in the audience CNY's newest raw milk (amongst other things) farm, Grey Rock Farm out of Cazenovia. If you haven't checked out what they're all about yet, do it.

We were back to work today planning the details of the second installment in the series, which will be December 14th. We couldn't be more excited to welcome Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows to the stage, followed by the film Food Stamped. Jennifer is the author of the blog Cookin' in the Cuse, the editor of the Syracuse section of Edible Finger Lakes magazine, and a committed advocate for CNYFood.

Thanks to everyone who came out and helped spread the word. Thanks also to our sponsors Wellness From Within and Recess Coffee. Food is a community issue and it's community support that helps put on events like these. Both of these businesses work hard everyday to make the CNYFood system the dynamic place it is. Our sincerest gratitude.

If you're interested in sponsoring one of the upcoming speaker and film events, please email slowfoodcny@gmail.com for information.

##

This series, while being organized by Slow Food CNY and Small Potatoes, is the result of a community effort to strengthen the local food system through networking, collaboration, and education. In February 2011, Slow Food CNY, Small Potatoes, Syracuse Community Test Kitchen and the South Side Innovation Center hosted a simulcast of TEDxManhattan: Changing the Way We Eat conference. Following the event members of the CNYFood System have been hosting meetings and networking events to discuss how to improve the economy, environment, health, and culture of Central New York by improving and celebrating our food.

Get To Know... Steve Landon.

2011-11-14T13:19:00.001-05:00

Chef Stephen Landon is a farm to table advocate with 25 years of entrepreneurial experience promoting the use of local and organic products. Most recently, he was the Executive Chef of Mirabeau Inn and Spa and owner of award-winning Persimmons Bistro in Landrum SC.

His love of food began at 10 while spending summers in Connecticut countryside caring for chickens and veggies. He first began working in restaurants at the young age of 14. What began by stepping in for a no-show line cook, has turned into a life's passion. Steve continued to learn through hands-on experiences going to work at the Crown Plaza in Stamford, CT for Chef Andre Burzynski. By age 21 had worked to a position of Executive Chef at Johnathan's Restaurant in Washington Depot, CT. In 1988 took a position as Chef for the Silo Cooking School and Store.

The Silo proved to be a valuable experiences working and learning from world renowned Chefs, assisting them in cooking classes, such as Jacques Pepin, Giuliano Bugialli, Albert Kumin, Perla Meyers and Madeleine Kamman. It was during this time where he assisted with a cookbook with Ruth and Skitch Henderson, former New York Pops Conductor, entitled 'Seasons in the Country'.

At the age of 25, enrolled in the Culinary Institute Of America. While attending the school he externed at The Hotel Jerome in Aspen CO. Shortly after completing school he aided in the opening of The Cafe restaurant in Washington Depot, CT and received 3 out of 4 stars from Connecticut Magazine. He has also produced a TV pilot called 'Gourmet Thyme' to promote local farming and using farm fresh ingredients in day to day kitchen operation. He has worked with Greenville Organic Foods Organization and Clemson university to teach classes about healthy cuisine, and taught cooking classes for Foxfire Gallery in Greenville South Carolina, Mirbeau Inn and Spa, Persimmons Bistro and demo cooking show for Peter Greenburg productions, which you can watch below.

Now we're lucky enough to share in some of Steve's experience and passion this Wednesday at the Slow Food CNY Speaker & Film Series at the RedHouse. See you there!

Weather Alert: Lightning Forecast Today for Oswego

2011-11-11T09:13:00.003-05:00

Hey there Oswego. Whatcha doing this afternoon and early evening? Yeah yeah yeah, cancel that. What you meant to say is you're heading over to the Mustard Seed and drinking some freshly roasted coffee served up by the masters of the coffee universe themselves, Jesse and Adam of Recess!

It's not that often that The fellas take their show on the road, so show them some love. Besides giving away sips of fair trade organic coffeesauce, beans will be on sale. Oh heck, yeah. So go, bring a friend, drink coffee, shoot lightning.

CNYFood Speaker & Film Series

2011-11-03T21:55:00.004-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact Person: Martin Butts 
315.345.8122 
marty@iamsmallpotatoes.com 

SLOW FOOD CNY ANNOUNCES SPEAKER & FILM SERIES
Syracuse, NY November 3, 2011

Slow Food CNY, working in collaboration with Small Potatoes, is excited to announce it’s Speaker and Film series. The series will consist of 3 events, each to be held at the Red House Arts Center. Each of the events will feature a speaker from the local food system, and a food documentary, followed by a reception at the Red House Cafe. These events are free, open to the public, and begin at 7.

The schedule is as follows:

November 16- speaker: Steve Landon, owner Fennell Market
                            film: Farmageddon
December 14- speaker: Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, Author Cookin’ in the Cuse blog
                           film: Food Stamped
January 25- speaker: Heather Hawkins- Local Food Advocate
                           film: No One Ever Went Hungry: Cajun Food Traditions Then & Now

This series is the result of a community effort to strengthen the local food system through networking, collaboration, and education. In February 2011, Slow Food CNY, Small Potatoes, Syracuse Community Test Kitchen and the South Side Innovation Center hosted a simulcast of TEDxManhattan: Changing the Way We Eat conference. Following the event members of the CNYFood System have been hosting meetings and networking events to discuss how to improve the economy, environment, health, and culture of Central New York by improving and celebrating our food.

The speakers were chosen by a jury of food system advocates from Edible Finger Lakes Magazine, B.C. Restaurant, and Syracuse University from candidates nominated by the public.

For additional information contact Martin Butts.
# # #

Farmshed CNY Announces the 1st Annual Locavore Pumpkin Carving Contest

2011-10-19T19:41:00.000-04:00

I'm a little late getting this out, but you aren't too late to take part.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Neil Miller, neil@farmshedcny.com; 315-560-1580

Farmshed CNY Announces the 1^st Annual Locavore Pumpkin Carving Contest

As part of its Fall 2011 campaign marking the release of Farmshed 2.0, Farmshed CNY announces the 1^st Annual Locavore Pumpkin Carving Contest. Beginning Friday, October 14th and continuing through Sunday, October 23rd, contestants are invited to carve and to submit photos of “locavore pumpkins” celebrating local farming and the harvest season in Central New York and the Finger Lakes region.

The 1^st and 2^nd place winners of the Contest will each receive a 15-pound, natural, pastured-raised Thanksgiving turkey (a $60.00 value), from Creekside Meadows Farm in New Woodstock, NY.

To participate, contestants must carve a “locavore pumpkin,” and post photos of their creation to the Farmshed CNY Facebook page. “Locavore” is taken to mean anything that can be reasonably associated with local farming or food production in Central New York or the Finger Lakes, and may include the Farmshed CNY logo; farming-related phrases like “Buy Local,” “Pride of New York,” or “No Farms, No Food”; the name or logo of a favorite farm or farmers market; and/or images of livestock or locally grown crops. Or something else. Be creative.

At the end of the Contest, members of the Farmshed CNY Facebook community will vote on the submitted carvings, and select the 1^st and 2^nd place winners.

The Details.

1. The contest begins Friday, October 14th and runs through 8:00 pm Sunday evening, October 23rd. Contestants will have until 10:00 pm Friday evening, October 21st, to submit one or more photos of their carved locavore pumpkins.

2. Contestants may submit as many different pumpkins as they want, but the submissions must be of pumpkins that they or someone in their immediate household carved – i.e., no ringers – and individual contestants can only win one of the two available turkeys.

3. The turkeys will be processed in early November, and must be picked up at Creekside Meadows Farm, which is located in New Woodstock, NY. http://www.creeksidemeadowsfarm.com/

4. To be eligible, photos of pumpkins submitted for consideration must be posted to the Farmshed CNY Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/farmshedcny.

5. Viewers will have until 8:00 pm Sunday evening, October 23 to vote for – “Like,” in Facebook jargon – as many carvings as they want, and may vote as many times as Facebook will allow. The winners will be announced on Monday, October 24^th.

6. Contestants must be 18 years or older to participate.

7. Farmshed CNY reserves the right to revise the terms of the Challenge at any time, without prior notification, or to cancel the Challenge altogether.

More details about the Locavore Pumpkin Carving Challenge are available on the Farmshed Nation blog: http://www.farmshedcny.com/farmshednation/?p=1247

Farmshed 2.0 is a newly released web app, available at www.farmshedcny.com, that works on smartphones, PCs and tablets. Developed by Farmshed CNY, a local food technology startup located in New Woodstock, NY, Farmshed 2.0 provides detailed information on over 1,400 family farms, farmers markets and local food producers in Central New and the Finger Lakes.

For additional information on Farmshed 2.0 or Farmshed CNY, contact Neil Miller at 315-560-1580 or neil@farmshedcny.com.

Farmshed CNY is on Facebook and Twitter.

Demo Team ACTIVATE!

2011-10-04T11:14:00.001-04:00

The harvest season, and soon the holiday season are here! If you work in food, then you know it is go time!! And if you work in food, you know the best way to get people to buy your product, is to get people to eat your product. That's where Small Potatoes can help.

We have a team of trained, professional staffers to take care of your event and in store demo needs. And I'm not talking about the demo folks you've seen in stores in the past. You know who I'm talking about. Well intentioned college kids, texting and telling folks they should buy your product, "Cuz, you know, it's reeeally good." All of our staff have experience working in natural food stores or working at farmers markets. They know how to engage customers, and just as importantly they know how to engage the staff in the store, so when we leave they know how to sell your product too.

We have team members in Syracuse, Oswego, Binghamton, Albany, Ithaca, Rochester, Kingston, and a limited coverage in New York City. Pricing varies by region. For more information contact marty@iamsmallpotatoes.com.

Looking For a Way to Help out in the Catskills?

2011-09-02T17:54:00.001-04:00

Clean-up efforts have begun in the Catskills as residents of the area are trying to start the process of putting their lives back together. I've been re-posting some information on facebook and twitter (although just a fraction of what's available online). Many people are still stranded as emergency crews are working to repair roads and bridges. In the communities that are accessible there is a huge relief effort underway. Many people in the Syracuse area have been asking what they can do to support the effort. To begin with, look through these resources listed on the Watershed Post website.

Emily and I are going to be traveling to the area on Tuesday & Wednesday this coming week (September 6 & 7) to do some volunteering and have space in the car to bring any donations we can gather between here and Monday afternoon. We aren't sure which town we'll be working in yet, but all communities are reporting pretty similar needs as far as supplies go:

bottled water
batteries
any shelf stable food items
Disposal diapers all infant, children sizes
Baby wipes, adult wipes/waterless wash clothes
Infant formula new only cans, with valid expiration dates
New personal hygiene items including tooth brushes, toothpaste, combs, shampoo, soap, face cloths, bath towels, shaving cream, disposable razors, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, deodorant
Clothing: t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, socks, shoes, underwear, sweat pants, shorts, flip flops, and baby clothes (any and all sizes)
New household items bleach, buckets, sponges, large garbage bags, paper towels, cleaning supplies
Hand sanitizer, flashlights
Tents/foldable tables
Cat/dog food
blankets

If you want to make a donation of any of these items you can bring them to me at the Better Brittle/Divine Brine/Brooklyn Salsa booth at the A Shed of the Central New York Regional Market on Saturday from 7am-2pm or to Emily at the Skaneateles Farmer's Market, located at the Jordan Street side of Austin Park. She'll be working the Cleanheart Farm booth. If you want to make a drop off Sunday or early Monday, send me an email at marty@iamsmallpotatoes.com. We'll supply more updates when we have a better idea of where we'll be headed.

-marty

Irene Wasn't That Quiet After All

2011-08-30T10:37:00.001-04:00

I talk a lot about the CNYFood System or #CNYFood and one question I hear pretty regularly is "What is the CNYFood system" or "How do you define local?" Well without getting too far into that, I'll give you the quick version. Local, for me, is anything that I have a direct relationship with the producer or one step away from that. For those of us living in Central New York, the Catskills region is local. It's part of our foodshed. We buy food from their farmers, and our farmers sell food to them. The Catskills also serve as one of the major suppliers of fresh foods to New York City. Divine Brine and the Brooklyn Salsa Company both have their products made in Kingston, NY using produce from the surrounding area.

I've been driving to New York, down Route 17, through the Catskills, nearly every weekend since the beginning of April and what I've encountered, besides a beautiful landscape, welcoming communities, and a ton of good food, is a lot of rain. It seems like every weekend I find myself saying, "that was the worst weekend yet", or "I've never driven in rain like that before." I've pulled over a couple times to let it ease up, I've seen roads filled with water, and I've seen creeks and rivers testing their boundaries at ever angle.

In the build-up to Hurricane Irene, our communities have held their breath and braced for possible destruction all over the East Coast. New York City was spared the worst case scenario, but the Catskills were already struggling with the rain this summer, and the even the tropical storm version of Irene was enough to do severe damage throughout the area. For those of you trying to track what's going on check in with the Watershed Post. Website. Facebook. Twitter. To give you an idea of the sort of flooding they're experiencing, watch this video of Governor Cuomo touring the Catskills yesterday.

Some of the east coast's major metropolitan areas are getting back to action, but be sure to keep up with our rural communities, the extent of their loss is going to be coming out over the next couple of days. Let's all hope for the best.

We Need Your Help So We Can Do Something Awesome! And Don't Worry We Aren't Asking For Money.

2011-08-29T12:22:00.001-04:00

Since TEDxManhattan: Changing the Way We Eat happened in February (seems like ages ago), the #CNYFood system has been a teeming with activity. There's been meetings, networking happy hours, chats over coffee, new food businesses starting up, and collaborations as far as the eye can see. One of the collaborations we've been working on over here is with Slow Food CNY, the Red House Arts Center, and Montage Cafe (so far).

We are pleased to announce a speaker and film series to be held at the Red House once a month in October, November, and December. Each event will consist of a speaker from the local food system (think TED talks, but food and CNY-centric), and then a movie about food. The series will be free and open to the public. We aren't quite ready to announce all the details yet, but stay tuned. In the meantime we need your help!

You may be saying to yourself, "how can I help? I want in!" It's simple we need speakers, and we want you to nominate someone. The speakers are going to chosen from your nominations by a jury. That jury will be chosen by Slow Food CNY. We're looking for local speakers from the food system who have an interesting story/idea/perspective to share. It's a great opportunity for someone to share their vision of #CNYFood with the community. We are looking for dynamic and engaging people you may have heard speak before, or you think have that special something we're looking for. Farmers, chefs, advocates, entrepreneurs, anyone is welcome. Wanna nominate yourself? Go for it. Wanna nominate more than one person? I think you should.

Follow this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3D5QCC7 to nominate. Share far and wide. The deadline to nominate is September 8. Do it now! It takes 5, maybe 10 minutes.

There are also a small number of sponsorship opportunities available. If you're interested in becoming a sponsor at a very reasonable rate, contact Emily at Slow Food CNY, slowfoodcny@gmail.com.

Top 10 Brooklyn Salsa related reasons to attend the Funky Flea

2011-08-24T14:54:00.000-04:00

Curry, eggplant, and coconut milk. In salsa.
This is almost certain to happen if we eat a few jars.
When you buy Tokyo the Sun, BK Salsa will donate money to the Japanese earthquake relief.
Heirloom tomatoes.
Cuz when it says hot on the jar, it is HOT in the jar.
Free samples.I'm not gonna add a link to that. It's free samples.
You might end up getting interviewed by Mo Rocca.
Direct Trade, Local, Organic ingredients.
Eating BK Salsa makes you feel Funky.
Because the salsa you're currently buying isn't as good as Brooklyn Salsa, and you deserve better.

33 Reasons to come to Funky Flea Part Deux

2011-08-24T11:44:00.001-04:00

Wasabi Dills.
A very limited quantity of "i am Small Potatoes" T-shirts will be available.
There definitely, probably won't be an earthquake.
The Sweet "god damn" Praxis
Jeremy DiChario.
Felted acorns & teacup candelabras
Hulk Hogan may, or may not, be there.
Betttttttttteeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrr Briiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttttttttuuuuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhlllllllllllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!
Because supporting the Flea supports the Public Arts Task Force, and public art makes Syracuse better, and you know, you want Syracuse to be better. I know because you told me so.
Because the Small Potatoes booth is gonna be packed with the best stuff.
You drink coffee, don't you? Well I'm gonna be slinging the best beans around, freshly roasted Recess beans.
Pickled Jalapenos.
Chris Fowler's gonna be there. He RSVP'd "attending" on the facebook page, so he has to be.
Because making these lists takes time, and you'd like to reward me for my diligence.
If you don't come to the Funky Flea , the terrorists win.
Because, if you go, then all the cool people will be there, and we can start a club. Maybe we'll even have a secret handshake.
The Bronx.
Free Music. No, I don't know who's playing, but don't be so damn picky. It's free.
I may break out in dance. Now don't be confused, I didn't say I would break dance.
Because you should do what I tell you to do. I wouldn't steer you wrong.
Because there will a ton of cool things to tweet about.
If you don't go, we may have to cancel the whole thing, and you don't want that hanging over your head for the rest of your life. Think of all the people you'd be letting down.
Cookies.
Whatever else you're going to do can wait until you get your fill of Funk.
The Fair isn't as cool as the Flea. And it's happening for 2 weeks, and the Flea is one day.
Syracuse neighborhood T-shirts.
You will go to the Funky Flea.
This guy will definitely not be there. I promise.
Cuz last time was Awe. Some.
Because Git er dun.
Rasta Pasta.
Why not?
There will be no fecal trails.

2011-08-12T12:47:00.001-04:00

I wanted to take a moment to send my deepest condolences to the family of Michael Martin and to everyone in the Brattleboro area. Michael was shot and killed this week by a coworker in a senseless act violence. It would be shocking in any workplace, in any town, to any person, but that this happened to Michael and at the Brattleboro Food Co-op is even more jarring.

I had the pleasure of talking shop over beers with Michael at some conferences and food shows, and he was a thoughtful and genuine man, who cared about his work and his community. His passion, dedication, and friendship are already missed.

If any town can rally around their loved ones to heal themselves, it's Brattleboro. I've seen a lot of businesses claim to be the center of their community when they aren't, but the Brattleboro Food Co-op can genuinely stake claim to being at the heart of their community. I know that the people of Brattleboro will support the family and friends of everyone at the co-op to bring them through this dark time. My heart goes out to all of you.

Marty

Cuz Farmers Markets Are Awesome, That's Why

2011-08-10T13:57:00.000-04:00

Good news from the Sate of New York!

For Immediate Release: August 9, 2011

GOVERNOR CUOMO LAUNCHES "FRESH CONNECT FARMERS' MARKETS" TO BENEFIT FARMERS AND COMMUNITIES STATEWIDE

Program Marks First Step of "Farm New York," a Comprehensive Investment in the NYS Agriculture Industry

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the "New York Fresh Connect Farmers' Markets" (FreshConnect) program, which launches new farmers' markets and expands others around the State of New York. The program is designed to assist New York farmers by increasing the sale of locally-grown food in communities. The program will also bring fresh food to underserved communities, improve nutrition education, and help create local jobs.

The FreshConnect program marks the first step in "Farm New York," the Governor's new initiative to invest in the state's agriculture industry, a vital component of the state's economy. Farm New York will focus on ways to support and expand New York farms through farm product sales, branding, marketing, distribution, local food processing innovations, and improving the business climate by reducing the regulatory burden on farmers.

FreshConnect is designed to meet the needs of communities. In some places, new markets will serve rural or urban communities that do not have sufficient access to grocery stores; in others, markets will provide low-income, high-unemployment neighborhoods with healthy, New York-grown produce, as well as jobs by staffing the markets with local youth. Other markets will provide residents and tourists with an array of New York farm fresh products.

"Farmers' markets increase farm sales and revenue by bringing farm produce directly to the consumer," Governor Cuomo said. "These markets also help underserved communities by providing fresh produce, nutritional education, and local jobs. The FreshConnect program empowers all New Yorkers to choose healthy, affordable, locally-grown food. This program is a win-win for farmers and consumers."

Seven new markets are in the process of being launched in Harlem, Niagara Falls, Mount Vernon, Queens, the Bronx, Utica, and Sharon Springs. Three new youth markets, which employ local residents, are being launched in Brooklyn and Nassau County, and a community-garden farmers market is being launched in Queens. Existing markets in several other locations, including the large, well-known North Tonawanda market, and mobile markets in Buffalo, Syracuse, and Central New York, which will deliver farm produce to senior centers and other central points of contact, will accept EBT or food stamps for the first time, broadening the reach of these markets to underserved members of area communities. A full list of FreshConnect markets appears below.

Under the program, the state provides the following services, as needed: offer up to $15,000 in funding per market; identify suitable markets; recruit farmers to participate; assist with marketing, promotion, nutrition education, community outreach, and other services; and coordinate with local officials and business groups.

To encourage greater consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, each market will be assisted in redeeming Food Stamps and other nutrition incentives, such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Fruit & Vegetable Checks, Farmers' Market Nutrition Program coupons, and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition coupons. The state will also provide new "FreshConnect" checks, which are $2 rebate checks for every $5 in food stamps spent at a participating FreshConnect Farmers' Market.

The Governor's Farm New York program is a comprehensive strategy to maximize economic development opportunities and bring renewed investment to the agricultural sector of New York's economy. It includes programs to develop New York's regional farm-food system, increase access to credit for farm businesses, expand food processing capabilities, and capitalize on emerging technologies to lower energy costs and foster the growth of renewable energy sources. Farm New York is also expected to increase distribution of New York farm products and to improve the branding and marketing of New York organic and New York grown foods.

New York ranks first in the nation for the production of cabbage, second for apples and sweet corn, and third for milk, grapes, onions, and maple syrup. Governor Cuomo is focused on developing New York's agricultural industry, including improving opportunities for wholesale marketing, food manufacturing, wineries, dairy farm growth, and dairy processing growth.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine said, "Governor Cuomo hits the nail on the head with his Farm New York initiative, outlining opportunities for improvement and proposing policies and programs that will strengthen the farm community. We are pleased to administer with ESD a program that will benefit the nutritional well-being and the economic health of New York State. FreshConnect will help our farmers sell more product, reap more of the end dollar by selling directly to the consumer, and all the while consumers throughout New York State will benefit from the delicious farm fresh produce that is in season this summer."

New York State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah said, "By improving access to fresh farm produce in local communities across New York State, the FreshConnect program will help improve public health while also growing the state's economy. Governor Cuomo's efforts are an important step toward building stronger connections between rural farms and urban communities, expanding the options for healthy food choices for more New Yorkers, and placing New York's farms at the center of our efforts to ensure that New Yorkers have access to healthy food."

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, "By issuing his Farm New York plan, Governor Cuomo has put the critical industries of agriculture and food front and center. ESD is committed to funding and supporting programs like FreshConnect that will bolster market opportunities for New York's agricultural products and food to grow our economy and create jobs. The Governor is focused on the fundamentals of the business climate in which this critical industry operates and I will focus our agency to make this goal a reality."

Senator Patty Ritchie, Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said, "Governor Cuomo's FreshConnect program will provide a much needed boost to local farms all across the state and help distribute fresh New York-grown produce to underserved communities. Farmers' markets can play a major role in the economic revitalization of towns and villages, and this new program will give farmers the assistance they need to open new markets and provide more New Yorkers with healthy food. I thank Governor Cuomo for launching this initiative, and I look forward to working together in the future to continue to strengthen New York's vibrant farming community."

Assemblyman William Magee, Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, said, "The quality of the fresh produce of New York's farms has always been a source of pride for our state, and I praise Governor Cuomo for implementing this program that will make locally grown food more accessible to residents all across New York. Under the FreshConnect program, farmers will have new markets to sell their produce and it will provide more healthy eating options to many New Yorkers. Today is a good day for farmers and New York residents, as both stand to benefit from this innovative program that will reinvigorate farms and local rural communities across the state."

Dean Norton, President of the New York Farm Bureau, said, "New York Farm Bureau is very pleased by Governor Cuomo's initiative to better connect New York consumers with our family farmers. This important first step recognizes the value of farm production and processing and dovetails nicely with the farm communities' ongoing efforts to further promote the value of our farms to the economy of the entire state. I applaud Governor Cuomo's mission to build a better business climate for farmers. I welcome his vision for a more aggressive approach to agricultural economic development and the farmer-to-consumer partnership."

Diane Eggert, Executive Director of the Farmers Market Federation of New York, said, "Farmers markets represent not only vital economic development in our communities, but also nutrition for community residents through access to fresh, healthy locally grown foods. Fostering a sense of community, farmers markets bring residents together around the common goal of healthy food. Governor Cuomo's New York Fresh Connect Farmers Markets build on the many years of work done by the Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Farmers Market Federation of New York, and lends credibility and support to the state's farmers' market industry. We look forward to working with these new markets to bring access to underserved communities and build our agricultural economy in the process."

Kathryn J. Boor, PhD, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University, said, "The Governor's plan to invest in New York State agriculture is a timely strategy to improve overall economic and environmental sustainability for our state. To achieve sustainability, farming must remain financially viable and must contribute to the well-being of farmers, farmworkers and rural communities while providing safe, abundant and affordable food, fiber, fuel and feed. The proposed initiative is designed to help achieve these ends."

2011 NEW YORK FRESH CONNECT FARMERS' MARKETS

125th Street Fresh Connect Farmers' Market, operated by Harvest Home Farmers' Markets
Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building, 163 West 125th Street (at 7th Avenue), Harlem
Tuesdays 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (opened)

Boonville Fresh Connect Farmers' Market, operated by the City of Boonville
Route 12 North (behind Nice-n-Easy), Boonville
Thursdays 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (opened)

Buffalo Fresh Connect Mobile Market, operated by Massachusetts Avenue Project, Inc.
To visit 5 sites weekly in greater Buffalo area
Opening to be announced

Central New York Fresh Connect On-Line Market, operated by CNY Bounty
Will take on-line orders and deliver
Opening to be announced

Cypress Hills Fresh Connect Youth Market, operated by Grow NYC
Fulton Street between Richmond and Logan Streets, Cypress Hills
Fridays 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (opened)

Downing Park Fresh Connect Farmers' Market, operated by Downing Park Planning Committee
Corner of Routes 9W & 52, Newburgh
Fridays 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (opened)

Hattie Carthan Fresh Connect Farmers' Market, operated by Hattie Carthan Herban Farm and Bailey's Café
49 Van Buren (at the Hattie Carthan Herban Farm), Brooklyn
Sundays 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM (opened)

Main Street Fresh Connect Farmers' Market, operated by Niagara Falls Public Library
North Main Street and Niagara Street, Niagara Falls
Thursdays 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, opening August 11

Mt. Vernon Fresh Connect Farmers' Market, operated by the City of Mount Vernon
Roosevelt Square, Mt. Vernon
Thursdays 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (opened)

New Cassel Fresh Connect Youth Market, operated by Unified New Cassel Community Revitalization Corp.
212 Garden Street (in the New Baptist Church Parking Lot), Westbury
Saturdays 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM, opening August 22

North Tonawanda City Market's Fresh Connect EBT Program, operated by the City of North Tonawanda
Payne Avenue and Robinson Street, North Tonawanda
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM (opened)

Oneida County Public Market's Fresh Connect EBT Program, operated by Oneida County
Utica's Union Station, Utica
Saturdays 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (opened)

Parkchester Fresh Connect Farmers' Market, operated by Grow NYC
Westchester Avenue and White Plains Road, Parkchester
Fridays 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (opened)

Pomonok Community Fresh Connect Farmers' Market (community garden), operated by Queens Community House
QCH Pomonok Center, 67-09 Kissena Blvd., Forest Hills
Thursdays 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (opened)

Poughkeepsie Fresh Connect Farmers' Market, operated by New York State Parks
Walkway over the Hudson State Historic Park and Pulaski Park, Poughkeepsie
Fridays 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (opened)

Roy Wilkins Park Fresh Connect Farmers' Market, operated by Harvest Home Farmers' Markets
Between 221 and 222 Merrick Blvd., St. Albans
Saturdays 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, opening August 20

Sharon Springs Fresh Connect Farmers' Markets, operated by the Village of Sharon Springs
Beechwood Road, Sharon Springs
Saturdays 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (opened)

Syracuse Fresh Connect Mobile Market, operated by Southside Interfaith Community Development Corp.
To visit 12 sites weekly in greater Syracuse area
(opened)

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Additional news available at www.governor.ny.gov
New York State | Executive Chamber | press.office@exec.ny.gov | 518.474.8418

Congratulations to Green Planet Grocery

2011-08-05T11:25:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe, but our friends at Green Planet Grocery have been providing Syracuse's West Side with organic and local food stuffs for a year!! A hearty congratulations from Small Potatoes and all of our clients. GPG has been committed partner since their doors opened (and even before). They've taken chances on new and start-up producers, consistently promoted the local food system, and have even provided a soap box for Small Potatoes (and other great businesses like Wellness from Within) to wax poetic about food.

So it's time to celebrate!!! Today and tomorrow from 11-5 GPG will be sampling out tons of goodies, giving away gift bags and coffee. And you know Small Potatoes will be there joining in the fun. Tonight from 4-7 you can talk noodles with Jon the Flour City Pasta guy. And tomorrow from 11-5, our gal Gwen is going to be holding it down with a Brooklyn Salsa demo, and then a Better Brittle demo! Come and celebrate!

So What's the Next Big Thing Over at Small Potatoes?

2011-07-19T21:39:00.000-04:00

Greenstar, that's what. Greenstar Food Co-op in Ithaca has been at the forefront of the local and natural food movements in Central New York for past 40 years. They've consistently worked hard to support small producers, and we are happy to say that starting this week you'll be able to find Better Brittle, Recess Coffee, and Brooklyn Salsa pushing their way onto their shelves.

We'd also like to offer our congratulation to Brandon Kane, who recently was named Greenstar's new General Manager. Huzzah!!

Better Brittle at Smorgasburg

2011-07-15T09:52:00.000-04:00

Better Brittle is making it's Smorgasburg debut tomorrow. Our good friends over at Market Share NYC are making some space on their crowded shelves to help BB hit the market. It's about to get crazy up in there. Seriously, Williamsburg, do have any idea what you're getting into? Get ready.

And Now For Something Completely Different.

2011-07-11T20:57:00.001-04:00

Well, not that different. We've brought a new client into the fold, and despite it's name, this new client can't be eaten. Enough with the riddles, and tomfoolery, I've kept you in suspense too long all ready. It's with great enthusiasm that I welcome Edible Finger Lakes magazine to the team. EFL is a member of Edible Communities Publications, which helps local people, start local magazines, covering local food all over the country. Edible Communities was recently awarded the 2011 James Beard Foundation Publication of the Year Award. Never heard of the James Beard Foundation Awards? Time Magazine has. They called it the Oscars of the food world.

If you haven't seen the Edible Finger Lakes, but you recognize the name, it could be because I am a huge fan, and many of our clients have been featured in their pages (so they obviously know good food). Simply put, Edible Finger Lakes is the most beautiful and well written food magazine in our region. If you ask them what it is they do, they'll tell you that, "Edible Finger Lakes is dedicated to celebrating and promoting the regional food scene, with a focus on the many farms, vineyards, culinary artisans, chefs and home cooks, farmers’ markets, food shops, country inns, restaurants and cafes. Our coverage includes the 14 counties in Central New York that surround the Finger Lakes (Monroe, Chemung, Ontario, Tompkins, Schuyler, Wayne, Tioga, Onondaga, Seneca, Yates, Livingston, Cayuga, Cortland and Steuben)."

Editor Michael Welch and his team consistently produce a gorgeous and fun to read publication. We're excited for the chance to help them got onto shelves around the region. Look for it at retailers, restaurants, and farmers market stands near you. The summer issue is now available at Bluetree in Syracuse (as well as the Better Brittle stand at the CNY Regional Market), Green Hills Market, the Flour City Pasta shop in Fairport, and many shops throughout the Finger Lakes, with more shops to come.

a note from our friends at Syracuse First

2011-07-01T14:10:00.002-04:00

This Fourth of July, as we celebrate our nation's independence and honor those who protect it, we also celebrate those other independents - the entrepreneurs and local businesses that embody the American spirit.

The fact is, choosing Local First means a stronger, more independent future for Central New York. By choosing to support locally owned businesses and local organizations, significantly more money recirculates in the community. By shifting just 10% of current spending toward locally owned businesses, we can create approximately 1,200 new jobs, more than $130 million in new economic impact, and more than $40 million in new wages.

To learn more about why choosing Local First will help secure an independent future for Central New York visit: www.Syracusefirst.org

Happy Fourth of July from your Friends at SyracuseFirst!

Better Brittle, Brooklyn Salsa, and the CNY Regional Market contest

2011-06-28T18:15:00.000-04:00

As you may have heard, I've been traveling to NYC nearly every weekend since early in April. Nowadays, every time I look in my fridge, I miss the days I was able to go to the CNY Regional Market every weekend and do all of my grocery shopping. I'd chat with my local farmers about how the season was going, what was coming up in the week or two, and I would generally burn up nearly an entire day wandering from booth to booth.

Well, thanks to Christiana and Andy from Better Brittle's wedding this weekend (woot Woot!!, I'll be back at the market this Saturday, standing in for the bride and groom, feeding hungry Brittleheads. Come celebrate their wedding by buying Brittle! But wait, there's more. Moving the baskets is very cumbersome operation, and a task too big for the Small Potatoesmobile, soooooo to use up that extra space, we'll be selling (and sampling) Brooklyn Salsa. Supplies are limited. Come early to Feed your Face. Is that all? No, not by a long shot.

We are also doing the Idea That Small Potatoes Stole From Edible Manhattan, But Who Cares Cuz It's a Good Idea and Stealing It Doesn't Hurt Anyone Challenge. What is the ITSPSFEMBWCCIAGIASIDHA Challenge? In honor of the many Buy Local/Eat Local events happening all over NY this week and month, you can win a Small Potatoes gift pack by entering at the CNY Regional Market. How do you enter? Just show us a picture of you do something Locavorish. Edible Manhattan has some suggestions. I stole some of them here:

Hit a locavore eatery you’ve never tried before.
Drink like a local! Swig libations from New York breweries and wineries. Bonus: make a farmy cocktail starring local herbs or produce.
Eat a fruit or vegetable you’ve never tried before. Hello kohlrabi!
Get to know a new local cheese. Bonus: Make yogurt, creme fraiche, butter or ricotta.
Eat a cut of meat you’ve never tried before. Bonus: eat a species you’ve never tried before. Double bonus: hunt.
Cook local grains. Bake bread, boil wheat berries, make polenta or just pop some popcorn.
Swap out sugar for local honey or maple syrup.
Churn market bounty into ice cream or sorbet.
Cook your cast-offs! Think corn cob stock, sauteed beet tops, and pickled watermelon rinds.
Preserve! Pickle cucumbers, can grape jelly or freeze pesto.
Forage! Go on a guided hunt for wild mushrooms or search for blackberries.
Make a dish using the Native Americans’ three sisters: Corn, beans and squash.
Check out a cookbook from your local library.
Compost your kitchen scraps.
Ponder the gospel according to Berry: Read a great food book.
Visit a farm, orchard, dairy, winery or brewery.
Drink only local water—it’s called “tap,“ people.
Throw a party, and have each guest bring something inspired by this list.

That's all it takes to enter. So do it, and you could win some stuff. Also, I'll have your IndieGoGo perks for pick-up...