The Common Market

09/16/2026

👋 Meet First Field, our new local canned crushed tomato producer.

First Field is based in Windsor, NJ, and uses produce from the region’s family farms to produce pantry staples using simple, recognizable ingredients.

Their crushed tomatoes are packed at the peak, with robust flavor and bright color, with tomatoes sourced from Swedesboro, New Jersey-based growers.

First Field is dedicated to tomatoes and to navigating the future of the state’s favorite summer staple to preserve the rich agricultural history. A key way to lower inputs and protect soil heal this with better seeds. Their ongoing seed trial is yielding open-pollinated, non-GMO seeds that can withstand the changing climate, helping the tomatoes continue to stand out

09/14/2026

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🍯🐝 Meet Jerry and Mary Linda Stroope of Stroope Honey Farms in Pearland, Texas! Their locally produced honey is featured on our Breakfast Chicken Croissant Sandwiches this month. Through our partnership with The Common Market Texas, we're proud to bring Texas-grown products from local farmers to FBISD cafeterias. Be sure to try this delicious featured sandwich throughout September and support local agriculture! 💛🌾
The Common Market Stroope Honey Farms

09/14/2026

In 2025, The Common Market Texas opened its doors to its newly renovated 29,000-square-foot warehouse in Houston, marking a major step forward for local food infrastructure.

In 2025 alone, the hub helped move $5 million worth of healthy food, supporting 40 Texas farmers and producers and more than 100 food access and institutional partners.

With continued support for climate-resilient infrastructure and a new SQF food safety certification, The Common Market Texas is building the capacity to move local food safely, reliably, and at greater scale.

Learn more about our growth and vision Texas in our 2025 Annual Report:https://www.thecommonmarket.org/assets/uploads/reports/CM_Annual-Report-CY2025.pdf

09/11/2026

Regenerative agriculture can start in the soil, but its impact reaches far beyond the farm. In the Great Lakes, we’re connecting the regenerative practices of farmers, schools, and communities to build a healthier, more resilient food system.

Hear from our panel food systems leaders as we navigate practical pathways for expanding regenerative agriculture in the Great Lakes while ensuring farmers have the market support needed to make the transition.

Check out the full panel discussion: https://youtu.be/HDhpRSQsfws

09/09/2026

There’s a common misconception that small farms, food hubs, and local distributors can’t meet the rigorous food safety standards required by schools, hospitals, and other institutions. In fact, shorter supply chains can mean fewer handoffs, faster traceability, and less time in transit.

At The Common Market, food safety is foundational to our work. All of our regional hubs are SQF Institute certified, and we work alongside our farm partners to navigate certifications and strengthen food safety practices.

Building a stronger local food system means building one that institutions can trust.

Read our latest blog to learn why food safety matters in local and regional food systems: https://www.thecommonmarket.org/blog/why-food-safety-matters-in-local-and-regional-food-systems

09/08/2026

We’re recognizing the people behind the scenes who keep The Common Market moving every day.

From our warehouse teams packing orders with care, to our drivers making deliveries, to the many team members working behind the scenes to keep everything running. We’re grateful for the dedication, care, and teamwork our staff brings to this mission every day 💚

Be a part of our work! We are currently hiring for positions in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Texas, and Chicago: https://apply.workable.com/the-common-market/

09/08/2026

Join us for a virtual conversation with Texas school nutrition directors and dietitians about how they bring Farm Fresh products to their students. This session will feature three real-world examples of farm-fresh menus, budgets, and photos from districts already doing the work.

You'll also hear from Texas Department of Agriculture about the 2026 Farm Fresh Challenge, Choice Partners Cooperative, and The Common Market Texas, connecting the dots from farm to school. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand an existing program, come see what's possible and start thinking about your next step!

Register here: https://thecommonmarket-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/Mufqacn8R-SNG13hvTQqMQ #/registration

09/04/2026

As students head back to school, we’re proud to supply cafeterias with local products that connect students with farmers in their own communities. September's Harvest of the Month celebrates four products from our region this season:

🍯 Texas: Honey from Stroope Honey Farms
🍏 Southeast: Apples from B.J. Reece Orchards
🫑 Great Lakes: Peppers from Family Farm Fresh Co-Op
🍅 Mid-Atlantic: Tomatoes from Eagle Road Farm

Here’s to a fresh start and a delicious September!

09/03/2026

Growing a stronger regional food system starts with investing in farmers 🌱

At Eagle Road Farm in Quarryville, PA, Aaron and Emma Stoltzfus have grown their operation from a dairy farm into a thriving vegetable farm serving the Mid-Atlantic.

An investment from The Common Market’s Farmer Loan Fund has helped the farm improve efficiency, expand its capacity, and bring more fresh, local produce to institutional markets.

When farmers have access to the capital and infrastructure they need to grow, the impact strengthens regional networks, creates more stable markets for producers, and helps make local food more accessible to communities.

Check out more impact stories like this in our 2025 Annual Report:https://www.thecommonmarket.org/assets/uploads/reports/CM_Annual-Report-CY2025.pdf

09/01/2026

Apple season has officially begun! 🍏 🍎

It’s our first SUNDAY of the 2026 U-Pick season and we thought it was a good time to remind everyone of our business hours.

Monday - Saturday 9am -6pm
Sunday 1-6pm
* Last U-Pick Entry 5:00pm everyday

Our farm activities including U-Pick apples is open 7 days a week including Labor Day and Columbus Day through September & October.

Our farm is located in Ellijay, GA!

For more information including pricing, U-Pick information, U-Pick calendar - visit our website www.reeceorchards.com