Members of the organic, farm-fresh produce industry have been trying to establish a foothold in Northeast Philadelphia for years. Somerton’s Walker Lodge will be the site of one company’s newest attempt next spring.
During the monthly meeting of the Somerton Civic Association on Jan. 13, SCA President Seth Kaplan announced that the civic group and Greener Pastures had reached an agreement with Walker Lodge, an affiliate of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to run farmers markets at 1290 Southampton Road during the upcoming growing season.
Greener Pastures founder and Parkwood resident Ben Bergman proposed the idea to neighbors during the SCA’s monthly meeting last November with generally positive feedback. The venue will offer fresh produce and agricultural products grown and brought to market by regionally based farmers.
“I’m really excited about it,” Kaplan said. “It’s promising and it’s going to be the first time Somerton has had something like that.”
Kaplan noted that food has become a big issue for a lot of people across the country. Many folks are turning toward smaller local farmers for fresh, natural produce and to support their regional economies. The vision is to create a festive, social atmosphere on Saturdays from the spring through fall with light music. Organizers hope that traffic from the Somerton Youth Organization next door will help boost interest.
According to an article published by The Philadelphia Inquirer last June, there are more than 150 farmers markets within 50 miles of Philadelphia. But few have found their way to the Northeast and fewer have lasted.
Bergman’s Greener Pastures ran one at Parkwood’s Third Reformed Presbyterian Church, 3024 Byberry Road, last fall and spring. The company’s Twitter profile (@GPasturesPhilly) says it is “in the business of bringing locally produced agriculture and value added items to the Philadelphia area. They just taste better!”
The Glen Foerd estate in Torresdale also distributed organic produce last year as part of the Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative, but it was not an open market. Patrons were required to register in advance for weekly shipments throughout the season. Glen Foerd was a pick-up location.
Kaplan said that details about the Somerton market are not finalized, but will become available on the SCA Facebook page and on the www.somertoncivic.com site.
In other SCA business:
• A board member from the Philadelphia Quartett Club, 1075 Southampton Road, reported that the club will definitely sell its nine-hole, par-three golf course, and will reinvest the proceeds in the clubhouse and pool facilities. The board is considering three bids and proposals by different prospective developers.
The property covers about 13 acres and could accommodate about 35 to 40 homes. It is zoned for single family houses with quarter-acre yards. Private homes on Peyton Street, Lukens Street, Herschel Road, Stevens Road and Wayside Road surround much of the course.
• Kaplan invited families with young children to attend the Frozen breakfast at MaST Charter School on Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. The cost is $17 for adults and $13 for children. There will be appearances by live characters from the animated film.
• Pat Boyle, retired Philadelphia police detective and father of the slain Officer Danny Boyle, invited supporters to the annual beef and beer to support his son’s scholarship fund. It will be on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at the FOP’s Heroes Ballroom, 11630 Caroline Road. Tickets cost $35.
The younger Boyle was murdered in the line of duty in 1991. Since then, the fund has donated about $600,000 in scholarships to students at Archbishop Ryan, St. Christopher’s, St. Veronica’s Mission School and St. Gabriel’s School. ••
