Ep 374: Telling Our Stories | North Union's Kawai Bitto: This Job Stinks

Add an annual fundraiser centered around garlic farmers and garlic-infused foods to an already full schedule of 8 weekly farmers markets, and you can see how operations director Kawai Bitto's job stinks. It's just a play on words, of course, one that North Union Farmers Market uses to promote Cleveland's 16-year old (and counting) Garlic Festival. Join us as Kawai tells us the story of the festival and the many ways that North Union celebrates and supports local farmers. We'll talk about:  Using an annual event to support year-round market operations Maintaining a strict producer-only policy as a mission How North Union Farmers Market certifies its producers Partnering with local organizations to incubate new farmers How garlic ice cream, popsicles and soap attract raving fans