Love Fresh, Local Food? Love Your Farmers.

Food doesn’t get more local than your backyard. Just ask Matt and Jess Salvaterra, who got into gardening to become more self-sufficient — and got so good at it, they started selling their surplus as Salvaterra’s Gardens. Or Dax and Robin Funderburk, who have been growing their own food since they moved to Mertztown 12 years ago. 5 years ago, they decided to make it a business called Beets Workin’ Farm so Dax could retire from his corporate job and spend more time with his four daughters.

I met with both these farmers, whose organically grown produce I’ve gotten at Healthy Alternatives, to learn more about who they were and where my food was coming from. After all, as Funderburk told me, “Everyone knows the first name of their dentist, their doctor, even their plumber. But how many people know the first name of their farmer?”

10 Most Vegan Friendly Restaurants in the Lehigh Valley

Vegan dining is hard if you don’t know where to look. Whether you’re new to the area or new to vegan food, this list is a great place to start if you’re looking for somewhere to eat in the Lehigh Valley. It comprises a variety of eateries throughout the valley. Each one has at least 2-3 solid vegan options that go above and beyond the normal fare of “hummus and veggie burger.”

The Wayfare Baker: Good Bread For All

Someone recently called John Glagola the Yeast Jedi. He works under the name The Wayfare Baker. But I like to call him the Bread Savior, because his mission is to share both his bread and his knowledge on how to make it.

“I want everyone to have good bread, not just people who can go to fancy dinners,” he told me in an interview.

We were at a small commercial bakery in Bethlehem Township, where he was baking his artisan sourdough. Jazz music played in the background as Glagola slid back and forth across the floor in his sneakers, expertly loading and unloading the two ovens. He reminded me of a kid with socks on. I could feel tiny beads of sweat on my face as we chatted, even on a cool winter evening with the windows open. In summers, according to Glagola, the bakery can get up to 120 degrees.

Burrito crisis? 4 places to visit while Cali Burrito rebuilds

Now’s time to check out all the burrito places you could never visit because Cali Burrito is just too good, man.

The Valley’s favorite burrito joint had a kitchen fire on September 14 and is currently closed for repairs. You won’t find this on any local news outlet, though, which is surprising given the restaurant’s popularity.

Fresh food in Old Zionsville

Today’s the first weekend of the Upper Milford farmer’s market, which means there’s actually something within walking distance from my house other than greasy pizza. Not that there’s anything wrong with Vito’s (except their lack of vegan options), it’s just that I like to be able to walk down and get some nice, fresh vegetables from the farmers in my community.

VEG Nutrition Week at KU