Eatin' Good, Green & Local

Before kids, you may have eaten what you wanted, when you wanted, and how you wanted it (bring on the nacho cheese!). Then, along comes a munchkin and things change. Suddenly, it becomes clear that if you want him or her to eat well, you are going to have to be an example. But really, is that such a bad thing? After all, who really needs trans-fats, artificial coloring, and nitrates? Certainly not any of us, right? Then add a few E. Coli outbreaks and an understanding of pesticides and their impact on the environment, and you're reeling from the shock of what your (family) food choices really mean to good health and well-being.

'''Really, should anyone be eating this stuff, let alone giving it to kids? So, what is a parent to do? Try eating local and eating green. There are tremendous resources, right here, in this fine city that will make for a healthy lifestyle change... and defines "good eatin'" in the process.

The great news is that there are plenty of Farmer’s Markets in Cleveland where you can find some locally grown fare -- and if you frequent these and other fine farmstand-minded events and establishments, you know that this is about the time that the pickings (natch) start getting good! In addition to eating healthy, think of the fun lessons in production (where does our food come and how does it get to our tables) that you can teach your child! With that in mind, check out these options:

Cleveland Heights Coventry Market: Reflecting the flair of the community, you’ll find local foods and “fresh-from-the-farm-eggs.” This outdoor market located @ 1824 Coventry Road and is open on Thursday evenings from 6 - 9PM through August. Bring your dancing shoes as once a month, the street closes and the market expands into a street festival complete with craft vendors, music and dancing.

Coit Road Market: Located @ 15000 Woodworth Road and operated by East Cleveland Farmer’s Market Preservation Society, this gem operates year round and features Ohio produce and products. Even better, the market is home to East Cleveland Grows, a place where you and your family can cultivate your own fruits and vegetables. http://www.CoitMarket.org.

West Side Market: If your family enjoys a trip to the indoor offerings at the West Side Market, you’ll be thrilled at the expanded offerings outside, which multiply during the summer. A bonus is the nearby Ohio City Open Air Market, which features all kinds of wares and fresh flowers. Kids will also enjoy shaking their wiggles out to an eclectic mix of live music. http://www.WestSideMarket.org.

North Union Farmer’s Markets: A non-profit whose mission is to sell only locally grown foods and products created by local artisans, North Union Farmer’s Markets operates several markets throughout the city. Locations include: Chagrin Falls, Crocker Park, Lakewood, Parma, Shaker Square, and a few others. http://www.NorthUnionFarmersMarket.org.

Kamms Corners Farmers Market: This venerable, west side location offers more than green eats -- it's a cornucopia for entertainment, cooking demonstrations, kid's arts and crafts and more. http://www.KammsCorners.com/FarmersMarket.

Tremont Farmers Market: Lincoln Park hosts this great weekly event through the summer. Fresh food and a fresh approach to the community event make this a must-visit during the summer months. And c'mon, Tremont is one of the coolest neighborhoods there is in Cleveland... you and the kiddos will find plenty to "chew on" here. http://www.TremontFarmersMarket.com.

If after a visit to a few of these gems doesn’t fill your family’s needs for local and organic foods near you, check out http://www.LocalHarvest.org. Visit this website and plug in your zip code. Ta Da! You will find local, organic farmers, farms, farmstands and wholesome eats right near you. You can even locate sources of meat where the animals aremn't raised with all kinds of yucky hormones.

So there ya have it. Eatin’ good, green & local in Cleveland is easy if you know where to look. Hopefully, this has helped you get started... bon appetite, C-town!

From Cool Cleveland contributor Jeannie Fleming-Gifford, M.A. fleminggifford@yahoo.com
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