The threat of rain this morning didn't keep market patrons away from the opportunity to buy fresh produce and visit with Hempstead County Farm Bureau Women's Committee at Hope Farmers' Market. The ladies hosted the Hospitality Table this morning, providing snacks and refreshments for guests, as well as information about their organization. In addition to the multitude of agricultural projects they do with local schoolchildren, like hatching eggs and making honey, they also host community activities like the Denim Drive to collect cotton jeans to be recycled and donated to Habitat for Humanity.

Member Deanna Gilbert said she and fellow Farm Bureau Women's Committee members were delighted to be at the Market today and further their mission of supporting local farmers. "We love encouraging our kids to be involved in ag and sharing the importance of what our farmers do," Gilbert said. "It's important to teach children where our food comes from and hopefully they too will become interested in farming and agriculture."

Also in attendance at the Market today was the Hempstead County Extension Office sharing information about the importance of whole grains, in addition to providing free cookbooks and samples of pasta made from whole grains. Displaying locally-grown fresh produce, baked goods, beef, honey, flowers, and homemade wares were Salinas Farms, Solomon Farms, Reynolds Farm, Arnold Farms, Silvey Farms, Hannah's Berries, Young Sprouts, Farm on the Hill, Carolyn's Kitchen, Papa's Honey, Poppy's Fried Pies, Aunt Fern's Fried Pies, and the Mint Man.

Next week's host at the Hope Farmer's Market will be Hope Downtown Network from 7am to 11am at the Hub in Pavilion Park in downtown Hope.