SOJ Market Vendor Written Up on Style Weekly
Did you see the funky school bus full of fresh veggies last Saturday at the SOJ Market? The bus and its owner has an interesting story and plan to take fresh produce to those who can’t make it to the farmer’s markets that have been springing up around town:
“It was very emotional,” says Lilly, a Varina native who lives in Henrico’s suburban North Side. He got the idea for his magic vegetable bus about two years ago as a way to bring the resurgent farmers’ market scene to the communities that are most in need of nutritious food alternatives. His business, Farm to Family, aims to become a mobile distributor for local farmers.
What’s old is new.
Reminds me of the Byrd Truck that used to ply the streets of dog town in the 50′s, before the advent of the two car family, when most mom’s were stay at home, and when the brand new Ukrops on Hull Street was a good mile away by foot.
Mr. Byrd used to have everything from veggies to meats to penny candy to flour and soup.
Glad to see the concept still lives. There’s a grwoing market for the concept as the baby boomers age and become increasingly homebound.
Good luck to the dude and his bus.
Another SOJ vendor–Christie at ThistleDowne Farms–runs a “Veggie Van” in the Farmville area with the same model. Maybe, as the value of local and responsible food production increases, these ideas will keep growing.
I remember Mr. Byrd’s truck. He also had Hostess cupcakes and popsicles. (Can you tell I was a child?)
Anyone remember the man walking up and down the streets selling strawberries? I think it was Silas, but could be wrong.
Those were the days!
Glad someone else remembers the Byrd Truck… wonder if he has any family aroudn who might have a picture of him and his truck. That’s be a real piece of history.
I have been bringing the Save the Trash Recycle Bus out to the South of the James Market all season, providing recycled arts, crafts, and games. As market season comes to an end, I’d like to make an appeal for some support to help improve recycling in the park and expand educational enrichment programs at area schools. Save the Trash is Richmond’s non-profit recycler, offering commercial service to business and organizations.
For more info- contact me at savethetrash@gmail.com