A steady flow of people clutching reusable bags streamed into Lake Anne Village early Saturday morning. For Reston locals, this is not unusual. The weekly Reston Farmers Market was bustling with people. A cheerful buzz greeted everyone who visited, with vendors showcasing their products, children brightening the asphalt with chalk, and live musicians playing.
The market runs every Saturday, from 8 a.m. to noon from April to December. A wide variety of local businesses are represented, each offering unique products. There’s something special about events that bring the community together and the Reston’s Farmers Market is no exception. This family friendly market is the perfect place for people looking for organic produce and handmade crafts. Here is a little taste of what some of the businesses offer!
Kaze Grain House:
At Kaze Grain House’s booth, samples of wheat berries were available, and the owner, Jing, explained how her grain is more nutritious and environmentally friendly.
“The wheat has no chemicals so it is very nutritious. It is perfect for baking bread because it can be substituted for all flours,” Jing said.
Kaze’s grain is fresh and organic and is sourced from local farmers. Its whole grain wheat contains more protein, iron, and vitamin B than processed store alternatives. Kaze also uses eco-friendly packages to promote sustainability and protect the environment.
While the schedule is subject to change, Kaze plans to return to Reston’s Farmers Market on October 26, 2024. Jing enjoys farmers’ markets because she finds visitors are interested in whole foods and home grown alternatives.
To find out more about Kaze Grain House, visit its site: https://www.kazegh.com/
GreenFare:
GreenFare’s booth displayed delicious muffins along with informative brochures on healthy eating. Ambassador John Foster manned the booth, excited to share the innovative approach GreenFare takes to promote healthy eating.
“We are an educational restaurant that does not add salt, oil, or sugar to recipes. We offer services like our 21-day Kickstart program as well as multiple classes and events throughout the year,” said Foster.
GreenFare’s restaurant is located nearby at 408 Elden Street Herndon, VA 20170 and is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. With an atmosphere like a library, GreenFare is an oasis from the stress of day-to-day life.
GreenFare has attended the Reston Farmers Market since 2016 and is committed to improving the health of the community. Some of their upcoming available classes include Breaking Food Addictions, Label Reading, and Cooking Class & Meal Planning. Whether you want to participate in a program or you just want to enjoy a healthy meal, GreenFare welcomes everyone.
To find out more about GreenFare, visit its site: https://greenfare.com/
Future Acres Urban Farming:
Future Acres Urban Farming’s booth displayed an impressive array of microgreens. Claire, an employee for the company, cut and packaged microgreens for customers, as she described the benefits they provide.
“Microgreens are the freshest thing you can find on the market because they are growing right in front of your eyes. They are very versatile, making them good additions to any recipe,” Claire said.
Microgreens are young salad greens harvested right after leaves develop. They offer up to 40x more nutrition than vegetables alone and are excellent sources of antioxidants, minerals, and more. Future Acres Urban Farming has been selling its microgreens at the Reston Farmers Market since April this year and enjoys the atmosphere the market offers.
“All of the vendors and customers here are so friendly and you really get to feel a sense of camaraderie,” Claire said; “it’s a lot of fun to get to know your booth neighbors.”
The microgreen display was not the only booth Future Acres Urban Farming had this weekend. The company sets up compost booths at every farmer’s market in Fairfax County to collect food scraps.
“Our goal is to reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted, which goes a long way in helping our local farmers,” Future Acres Urban Farming employee Bryan said.
As a part of their sustainability goal, the company offers compost services to locals. Future Acres Urban Farming provides subscribers a five-gallon bucket with a sealable lid. At the end of the week, the company will pick up the full bucket and replace it with a new bucket.
To find out more about Future Acres Urban Farming, visit its site: https://futureacresfarm.com/
Ann Thorsen:
Ann Thorsen’s booth showcased a selection of handcrafted mosaics and pendants. As a former teacher, Thorsen uses her creativity to give back to the community.
“I taught German for 34 years at Parkview High School and I wanted to give back. All of the money we raise from selling these pieces goes to grants or scholarships to help future teachers,” Thorsen said.
Thorsen goes to thrift stores and flea markets to find the materials for her artwork. Her pendants are unlike store-bought jewelry because of their unique origins as game pieces, ceramics, and more.
Thorsen has been attending the Reston Farmers Market for over a decade and has donated over $1,000 dollars so far this year.
There is still plenty of time to enjoy the Reston Farmers Market this fall. The market will continue each Saturday until December 7. Whether you’re looking for some fresh produce, or trying to find the perfect gift for a loved one, the market has something for everyone. While there, don’t hesitate to chat with the vendors!
