It may have not felt like spring this past weekend, but that didn’t stop Brooklynites from hitting the streets for fun and money saving deals. One of the best places around town to spend some time and money is at the ‘Community Markets’- specifically the one located in the heart of Park Slope on 5th Avenue. With the weather warming up the market is once again outdoors and ready to serve the public some of the best local, organic, and reasonably priced foods in the area.

The 2012 ‘Community Markets’ season is getting off to a great start. From ciders to steaks, this sprawling weekend market has everything you could ask for. Speaking of prime steaks, ‘The Pastures’ of Craryville, NY has all your meat needs. ‘Pastures’ specialty is to raise grass-fed beef on a small farm in upstate New York. There are no antibiotics or hormones used and the animals are not grain-finished. On the other hand, if you’re looking to round out a side dish to a healthy dinner, head over to Flour City Pasta. This Rochester business makes pasta the traditional ‘Old World’ way. The tools they use to make pasta are imported from Italy utilizing organic flour and then adding organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices to make flavored pasta that brings out a new level of taste and style to any pasta dish.

The ‘Community Markets’ are a vital member of the New York City landscape. Every week the organizers give us the opportunity to engage with the people who grow and produce the healthy foods we should be eating. And with the price of food rising everyday, why not spend your hard earned money supporting businesses whose main goals are to keep it local, and most important healthy.  

- Jay Rubin