Nothing beats the taste of a fresh tomato on a warm summer day, or the refreshing smell of summer greens, hand-picked by a local farmer. PepsiCo is a global manufacturer of foods and beverages, but we are committed to giving back to the local communities in which we operate, so much so that it’s part of our company’s mission, Performance with Purpose. We are always looking for ways to support local farmers and recognize the importance of helping ensure that people have access to natural and nutritious foods. So, just last year PepsiCo launched the company’s first Farmers’ Market at its headquarter location in Purchase, N.Y., hosting local farmers from all over the Hudson Valley, and it’s been a great success!
Greenleaf Gardens with students from St. Christopher's
The PepsiCo Farmers’ Market is embracing the summer season every Tuesday, providing naturally and organically grown produce and creating an opportunity to sustain local farms and support excellent local causes. In addition to our long-standing vendors, Greenleaf Gardens, Inc. joined the market last week. The local non-profit has partnered with St. Christopher’s Residential Program for autism spectrum teenagers to design, develop and maintain a one acre garden at their campus in Valhalla, N.Y. The garden empowers disabled children and young adults to build healthy communities and provide food to their school and local charitable organizations. Students from St. Christopher’s will be present at the PepsiCo Farmers’ Market each week to sell food grown at their school, including tomatoes, onions, peppers, kale and various greens, herbs and spices.
Other local vendors include:
• Ash Hopper Soap Studio – unique handcrafted soaps
• Cascade Winery/Ronnybrook Dairy – New York State wines, local milk, yogurt and cheeses
• Gaia’s Breath Farm – organic, biodynamic heirloom vegetables, grass fed pork, beef, sausage, poultry and milk fed veal
• Joanne’s Calabrese Old World Foods – breads, cheeses, pestos and sausage
• Magpie Bakery – unique, delicious, healthy desserts including gluten free, dairy free and vegan
• Migliorelli Farm – dozens of varieties of greens, summer vegetables, fruits, tomato juice and sauces
• Olive Oils of the World – estate grown and pressed olive oils and related products (every other week)
• SerinDipiTea – unique teas and herb mixes for rubs and dips
Maria Reina, owner of Bella Cucina Maria, prepares a dijon honey chicken salad
Be sure to check out the PepsiCo Farmers’ Market today – Tuesday, August 9 – to celebrate National Farmers’ Market Week (August 7-13), and to support local farmers who work hard to provide healthy and delicious food for our community. Maria Reina, private chef and owner of Bella Cucina Maria, will give a cooking lesson featuring a Tomatillo Pasta Sauce with tomatillos from Greenleaf Gardens around 11 a.m., followed by a corn roast for all PepsiCo employees and members of the local community. See you there!
