Jacqueline Smith is the market manager for Black Mountain Tailgate Market. The market participates in ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription programs.
What are you most looking forward to this season at Black Mountain Tailgate Market?
Vendors and regular customers, of course… and most definitely, the Children’s Programs. They bring new customers in and create opportunities for the next generation of market-goers, farmers, and artisans to get engaged and excited about the local food movement.
What are some of your favorite in-season products at the market right now? Do you have go-to recipes for this time of year?
Gosh, I love it all. I spent many years cooking for and serving others, so it’s a wonderful time of year to enjoy some of my very favorites like mizuna, collards, leeks, strawberries, and peaches! I’ve always cooked with an intuitive approach. When I taught cooking classes, I especially enjoyed sharing variations on recipes. When I need the extra inspiration, or I need to share a recipe that features in-season produce coming into the market, [I go to] Smitten Kitchen and the Kitchn. I especially enjoy Ohmaya Cooks’ offerings…but I love to experiment. I do so love a collard slaw. This one is great:
- 1 bunch collard greens, rinsed and thinly sliced into 2-inch-long pieces
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned
- 1 ripe red apple, cored and julienned
- 1/2 bunch flat-leaf Italian parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds, plus more to top
- 1/2 small head red cabbage, finely shredded
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup toasted sesame seeds
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to season
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1 heaping teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Generous pinch of kosher salt
How have you seen programs like ASAP’s Double SNAP for Fruits and Vegetables and Farm Fresh Produce Prescription impact the market community?
With regard to the community we serve, being able to offer these incentives has been a wonderful experience. For our market, I’ve witnessed an increase in sales overall…and as a market manager who relishes the idea that “rising tides lift all ships,” it’s incredibly impactful. Not long ago, a mom of two came to the market having just found out that we offered these programs. She was in tears, and spent a good amount of time thanking us for participating.
What are some of your challenges in managing a farmers market?
Well, when humans are involved, things are always a bit more challenging! I try to approach this role with empathy, having run a market garden, spent time in the role of a vendor, and have a deep desire to see others succeed. I think one of my personal greatest challenges is navigating a “regime change,” being new to a community, and trying to fully understand how best I can serve those with whom I have the great fortune of working with. I am a people pleaser, so finding balance where accommodating folks and working to the greater good of the market is always a challenge.