ARCHIVES     GREATER EDISON

Reflecting back on the past year, I am reminded of our many fortunes.  We are truly blessed to live in such an amazing place.  We couldn't be happier to be business owners in such a great community.  More people than ever before are supporting our local bakery.  Farmers Markets are becoming vital backbones in their communities, with the topic of farm to table gracing many a conversation.  Customers love to meet the people behind the scenes of making our product, and we have awesome staff!  Our region is clearly behind the Buy Local concept, with more restaurants than ever approaching us looking for fresh made breads.  Mt Baker is serving locally made bread bowls!  The connection between those whom grow and make your food is becoming common knowledge, and for this, we could not be luckier.

Having said that, we sourced some fantastic locally grown products in 2009.  Bluebird Grains, over in Mazama, Washington, is providing us with local hard red and white wheat for our Winthrop All Wheat Bread.  With most wheat coming from the plains, it's a treat to be making and using such high quality product grown "locally".  Fairhaven Mill is providing us with a whole wheat pastry flour for some of our cookies which is grown in Lynden (less than 45 miles from us) and milled in Bellingham. 

Scott is working with some test wheat grown on the WSU extension grounds less than 10 miles from our bakery.  Steven Jones took over the helm at WSU in 2009, coming from Pullman, and has an enthusiastic interest in creating local economies that can support themselves.  Having a high quality wheat grown in Western Washington would make the future of bread baking that much stronger should transportation or the global economy crash.  While we realize that having a steady, consistent supply of local wheat could be years away from becoming reality, it was an honor to be chosen as a test bakery for this venture.  Good luck to Steven and all the grad students and farmers making this happen!

Breadfarm recently joined the 350 project, an online group supporting brick and mortar independent businesses. It's a great concept, urging people to support businesses within their community.  Did you know that for every $100 you spend at a locally owned business, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures?  We are proud to be a local, independent business, and THANK YOU for your support of our bakery and for keeping us a vital part of your community!

In light of the computer age, Breadfarm now has an online shopping page where we are selling a selection of our shelf stable items.  Please check out our store at www.Breadfarm.etsy.com to see our beautiful site.  A special thanks to Cliff Leight for assisting our cookies with looking their best and wielding his artistic eye behind the lens. 

Sour Cherry Lemon Bread is coming!  Beginning on January 29, you will be able to again treat your palate to this tasty bread which has developed it's own cult like following.  A soft white bread with a touch of wheat, local honey, organic lemon juice, zest and unsweetened sour cherries.  Try it toasted or enjoy it plain.  Yum.

Breadfarm is also pleased to be partnered with the following organizations whom are doing active outreach to provide food to those in need:
Bellingham Food Bank
Neighbors in Need Food Bank
The Friendship House
Whatcom County Gleaners
Skagit Valley Red Cross

Here's to a happy, healthy 2010. 

Breadfarm...passionate bakers making great bread!

Click here for info on current job openings. 

Happy eating! 
Renee, Scott, Nell and the Breadfarmers