Fresh Food by Fresh Bikes

I hope that in my absence you all have been following Taco and Gorman's endeavors over at Community Powered Cycling. They've been putting up some great posts about the recent activity among City Council, City Engineers and The Mayor. Check it out and get up to date.

A little while ago they also made a post about Farmers Markets and described ways to make them more accomadating towards bicycles. I have a confession to make: I've never been to a Farmers Market. At least, not in the sense of a 'weekly gathering of local farmers who sell their product to the public' type of Farmers Market. I've been to a food co-op in Knoxville and I've been to the Trolley Stop Market on Madison but my weekends are usually devoted to work.

Em and I have considered a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture - one purchases a "subscription" from a local farm early in the season which will guarantee a weekly supply on seasonal fresh veggies delivered to a drop-off location) but we're hesitant because of our schedules. What if we can't make it to the drop-off?

A gentleman in Minneapolis has solved this problem for his city. (Ah, Minneapolis, with your bike lanes and light rail...) Randall has started VeloVeggies. The idea is simple:

"1. We go the farm's drop site.

2. We put your share on our bicycle trailer.

3. We pedal your veggies to your home."


This genius idea combines several of my favorite things: bicycles, hauling stuff by bicycles, and food. Maybe for an extra couple of bucks he'll stop at the beer store, too.