When we decided to seriously consider PSU Farmers Market, I knew we had to be innovative about our vehicle and delivery. We were already committed to Hollywood Farmers Market on Saturdays, so this would mean two markets in one day! Our one vehicle would be tied up before PSU even began. Our former colleague Amanda Plyley had the lightbulb go on. We approached B-line Urban Delivery, a remarkable bike-centric distributor, about carrying our market kit and everything we planned to cook and sell to market for us by trike. Fortunately, we happen to rent kitchen space, fridge, and freezer storage in the same building at B-line, The Redd West, so the logistics seemed simple.
B-line agreed and we are now two months deep into a wonderful partnership that brings our market kit into congested downtown without adding pollution or the hassle of parking. For all of us who have worked market jobs, we know that shlepping wipes you out before the day has even begun and then wrings you dry just when you feel it should have ended. Thanks to our partnership with B-line, there’s no more crouching and hefting to fill a van or truck; no more expensive parking tickets; no more waiting in traffic or getting stuck as every other market vehicle files in and out. Plus we get a thrill every time the trike pulls in. We are astounded by how much fits in one of these little containers.
We love working with a business so closely aligned with our goals. Our investment in B-line supports their work to build a low carbon regional food system. Their model is built for small and medium scale producers committed to their communities and the environment — businesses like ours as well as the grain farmers we buy flour from and the farmers we buy vegetables and eggs from. We are all part of a web building a supportive food culture. Bike transportation holds the promise of withstanding rising gas prices while contributing to greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and a more decongested urban area. It makes sense that it would be a component of the future we are all working towards.
Come visit us every weekend at the markets for noodles and sauces to take home and noodle bowls filled with local produce to eat there. And if you arrive to PSU market by bike in July, show us your helmet for $1 off a pack of noodles.
Find Us at the Market
PSU Farmers Market, Saturdays, 8:30-2, May through November
Hollywood Farmers Market, Saturdays, 8-1, April through November
King Farmers Market, Sundays, 10-2, May through November
Photos by Shawn Linehan.