Nearby farmers based in the CSRA are partnering up to provide locals with fresh produce and healthier food choices starting July 19.
Partnering with West Augusta 6 organizations and Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture and Agency, the S.T.O.P. Mobile Farmers Market, also known as the Sustainable,Tasty Outreach Project, has recently strengthened its endeavor to connect community farmers with new customers.
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“Sustainability is at the heart of the S.T.O.P. initiative. By bringing fresh, locally sourced produce to all areas of Augusta, the S.T.O.P. Food Truck is reducing food miles and supporting local farmers, which is a win for our environment and community,” said Karen Gordon, the program director of Growing Augusta.
With the project focusing on reducing waste and making farm-fresh produce available throughout the CSRA by providing produce and ready-to-eat meals, everyone involved in the venture believes the food truck will help champion sustainability.
Owner of the S.T.O.P. Food Truck Carolyn Henry said the mobile farmers market will actively bring “farm-fresh goodness” to all Augustans whilst supporting local agriculture and promoting eco-friendly practices at various locations throughout the year.
“I’m passionate about food and healthy eating, and these farmers have a lot of produce, but they’re having a hard time getting people to know about it,” she said. “So, they have great stuff but they just don’t know what to do with it, and you can make lots of tasty meals.”
Excited about the new project, Henry said it reminded her of fond memories with her grandmother, who often would barter with neighbors and farmers.
“In the rural regions of Maryland, where I grew up, it was a very common occurrence to have farmers load up their trucks and drive down the street, and they would either sell produce to the other folks or they would barter,” she said. “… it’s actually something that’s done all around the world, but we just haven’t seen it here in the CSRA even though we have a lot of rural areas out here.”
During the year, Henry said the truck will feature a selection of farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, convenient meal starters and meal-prepped items, such as meat and veggie kebabs.
Henry also said the truck is already renowned for its rotating menu, which includes everything from southern comfort food to Chesapeake Bay Area favorites.
“By incorporating seasonal produce and meats from local farms, the S.T.O.P. provides a unique and delicious culinary experience to the Augusta community,” she said.
C. Joy Brown, marketing manager of Grow Augusta and the South Augusta Farmer Market, said the new initiative was a testament to the market’s commitment to health and wellness.
“The S.T.O.P. is more than just a place to buy food; it’s a way to build community and ensure everyone has access to nutritious meals,” said Brown. “We want our residents to feel connected to their food sources and to each other.”
By partnering with multiple farmers, Henry said she creates simple and global flavored dishes with homegrown and local ingredients in hopes of inspiring neighbors to adventure in the kitchen with vegetables.
“I see what I can source and then I take those ingredients and prepare prepped meals, and we’re kind of tying everything together in that way,” she said. “So the S.T.O.P. initiative will allow folks to see what’s in their community and how they can prepare it differently. That way you’re not going to allow those tomatoes sitting in your kitchen to go bad, because you’re tired of eating them the same way.”
More importantly, Henry, who also prioritizes making vegetarian and vegan options as well to meet different dietary needs, said individuals benefit greatly from eating food grown in their neighbors, especially those who suffer from allergies like her grandson.
“I want produce that is harvested locally because the bees and insects make sure everything gets pollinated. That pollen then goes into [consumers’] bodies which helps them fight their allergies,” she said. “So it’s better to buy local honey, local tomatoes and even watermelon, because I want that local pollen. A tomato that came from Florida has different pollen and chemicals in it than one that grew in the CSRA where I live.”
The S.T.O.P. Mobile Farmers Market will host its first events on Friday, July 19, at 4104 Windsor Spring Road from 5 – 9 p.m., and on Saturday, July 20, at Canterbury Farms, off Chamblin Road, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Henry said this weekend’s food would incorporate Asian inspiration with menu items made from locally grown meats and other ingredients. Guests who visit the food truck this weekend can expect mongolian beef, stir fry with hibachi style rice, egg foo young and more.
“Whatever your dietary preferences are, you’ll be able to taste something,” she said.
Following another soft opening on July 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 535 Telfair St., the S.T.O.P. Mobile Farmers Market will celebrate its grand launch on Aug. 3 from 5 – 8 p.m. at 4103 Madeline Drive.
For more information about the S.T.O.P. Food Truck initiative, visit: www.thestopfoodtruck.com
