[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][text_output]Open-air farmers markets are common sights around the world, but in Houston… they are hidden gems. This weekend, I ventured out of my normal brick and mortar grocery shopping routine to experience the farm to table treasures sold by local merchants at the Urban Harvest Farmers Market.

Nestled in Houston’s commercial Greenway Plaza landscape, the Urban Harvest Farmers Market sets camp under a sea of white canopies in a lot located at 3000 Richmond Avenue at Eastside Street. Rain or shine, over 50 local vendors sell their products (organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables, prepared foods, fresh meats and cheeses, free-range chicken eggs, seafood, and artisan body products) every Saturday from 8am to noon. Don’t worry if you miss breakfast trying to make it to the market because there are several options to satisfy your hunger from food truck operators to food booths from some of Houston’s signature restaurants.

As I entered the Urban Harvest grounds, I heard the sounds of guitar music strumming in the background and the smell of Indian spices lured me by nose to my first booth, Nisha’s Quick-N-Ezee Indian Food. I sampled a variety of tasty treats: samosas, chutneys, and dips which were prepared in a commercial kitchen during the week and sold at the Urban Harvest Market on the weekends. The lamb samosas paired with the mango chutney was a winner for me and I purchased the items for an afternoon snack.

I continued to wander through the various booths looking for a vendor with a unique story. A man with a genuine smile caught my attention. His grin showcased his gratitude for being present at work. I stepped up to the four tabled booth that displayed summer squashes, cherry tomatoes, green beans, and leafy greens.

“So what’s the story behind Plant It Forward Farms?” I asked.
The gentleman shook his head and motioned for a female associate to speak to me. She said that Plant It Forward Farms is a non-profit organization that teaches refugees organic farming techniques to build their own urban farm businesses while providing a way for them to integrate in urban communities. Churches and private donors sponsor the land in three Houston neighborhoods to create a win-win situation for Houston by providing job skills for the refugees and by providing locally grown organic food for the community.

I was truly moved by the Plant It Forward Farms organization and I stopped by the Plant It Forward Farm on the University of St. Thomas Campus at 1314 Sul Ross St., Houston, 77006 to investigate further. The sight overwhelmed me to see one of the farmers tending to the garden. Rows of kale, tomatoes, beets and more were neatly aligned and thriving to perfection in the middle of Houston’s museum district.

Plant It Forward Farms goes beyond serving a need and captures the spirit of renewal. To support Plant It Forward Farms, you can purchase produce at the Plant It Forward Farms booth at the Urban Harvest Farmers Market or you can register online to participate in a farm share program to receive a weekly box of organic produce. Visit the Plant It Forward website to learn more.

My Saturday outing to the Urban Harvest Farmers Market not only supplemented my food pantry, but enlightened my mind and soul to know that I was able to contribute to local merchants and organizations through each purchase. It was like giving back to the community in my own small way.

Be blessed and love on,

Michelle

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