The Possibility of Year Round Food Markets

There appears to be a growing interest in seasonal and locally produced foods. So, new indoor public markets are becoming more common. You will be able to buy your heirloom tomatoes while also having access to artisian breads and fresh pressed olive oil among other wares.

Residential and commercial developers may be jumping on this trend. This is despite the fact that indoor markets can be costly and tough to get started especially when located in those expensive areas to live and work in. Some cities do have closed markets like Portland, Maine; Toledo, Ohio; and Vancouver, Washington.

Portland, Oregon and Boston Massachusetts have had indoor markets since 2000. However, no ground breaking has been done if you live in recent years. So contact your officials and offer your support if you are one that would like a market in your area and would appreciate the quality foods these markets offer.

Year round sheltered markets are being discussed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Madison, Wisconsin; and Chicago, Illinios. If you live in one of these cities offer the officials any support you can. The people of the city can have a hand in shaping the operations and placement of these markets. Knowing that most food markets will not break even the first few years, however settling out as customers become regulars, you could do alot to help bring these to reality. Also with advertising you can quickly become a destination stop and that speaks of tourist type dollars. Good for any city.

Locals can do well during their growing season and go to prepared foods during their 'off' season, i.e. jams, jellies, breads, cheese pastries, dry foods, mixes and herbs. Hydroponic growers would do well with these markets. That would create a win- win situation.

Being Americans we tend to like to grab and go, shoveling in our food on the run. These markets offer foods that is good for those of us that wish our food slow - needing preparation. Our modern conveniences make that process shorter than those that have cooked before us.