Bring Your Food to Market
You've got a little plot of land, a homestead, somewhere you grow more food than you and your family can eat alone. Or maybe you turn your family's produce into jams, jellies, sauces, pies, and more. If you've wondered how to take the next step and sell your homegrown goods to others, this series of workshops is here to help! Explore below to learn from and with community members on how to bring your food to market.
Presented by:
Bring Your Food to Market 1: Farmers Panel
Learn what it takes to bring your food to farmers markets, farm stands, wholesale and more from a panel of farmers and food producers right here on Whidbey.
Sat, November 8 | 1-3 pm
The Collective, 749 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor
Panelists:
- Melissa Stewart, North Central Whidbey Farmers Market
- Rowdy Sprout Farm
- Shannon Bly, Whidbey Island Grown Cooperative
Sat, November 15 | 1-3 pm
Front Room, Bayview Cash Store, 5603 Bayview Road, Langley
Panelists:
- Elizabeth Case-Smith, Case Farm
- Stephen Williams, Foxtail Farm
- Rowdy Sprout Farm
- Shannon Bly, Whidbey Island Grown Cooperative
Bring Your Food to Market 2: Selling Specialty or Ready-to-Eat Food Items: Understanding Different Food Licensing Permits
Are you interested in selling your homemade jam, granola mix, dried fruit, cookies, muffins, spice/herb mix, popcorn, or candy? Your hot sauce or grandmother’s salad dressing? Prepared meals for pick up or delivery? Can you sell these items at farm stands, farmer’s markets, or to retail and grocery stores? Learn the local, state, and federal licensing requirements for getting your value-added food item to market and the starting costs involved. For some items, it’s easier than you might think! Note: meat, poultry, and seafood processing will not be covered, unless used as part of a prepared meal.
Led by Marian Myszkowski, Program Director, Goosefoot Community Fund
*If you know and are comfortable with sharing, please include the type of food item/s you’re interested in making in the notes below.
Tuesday, December 2 | 5-7 pm
Front Room, Bayview Cash Store, 5603 Bayview Road, Langley
Saturday, December 13 | 1-3 pm
Oak Harbor Library, 1000 SE Regatta Dr, Oak Harbor
Bring Your Food to Market 3: Social Media for Farmers
Social media is an essential and affordable way for food growers to reach customers and bring their food to market. Learn tips and trips to make it easier and more effective for you to use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more.
Saturday, January 10 | 1-3 pm
The Collective, 749 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor
Saturday, January 17 | 1-3 pm
Front Room, Bayview Cash Store, 5603 Bayview Road, Langley
Register
Workshops at the Front Room on South Whidbey are available via Zoom by request; email [email protected] or put a note in the notes field if you wish to attend virtually.