Expressly Local Food

2nd Anniversary Harvest Gala

2011-11-09T14:53:00.000-08:00

Come Celebrate our 2nd Anniversary

at our Harvest Gala!

Live Music (the Sounds of 21st Century Dream time Lions)
Food Drive
Raffle (for every canned good you bring is an entry!)
AND Tastings!

Contributors:
Upohar
Aha Sweets
Appalachian Coffees
the Pie Shop
Cortazzo (Raffle basket!)
DragonFly & D.oli Photography (Basket)
More to come...

*Remember to Order your Thanksgiving turkey!

BE IN THE KNOW:

2011-08-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

There have been a few more important changes this month at Expressly Local Food.

If you are following us on Facebook, twitter, or a few other social networks, you might have already heard that Mom and I are now picking up produce 3 times a week. Our shelves will be stocked throughout the week, with the freshest produce. No worrying about whether it's a "good time" to come in to get your $15 a week of produce!

We are stocking a few lunch treats:
The Pie Shop is supplying us with hand size meat and veggie pies, along with a couple of lightly sweet (no sugar-bomb rush) pies. These delicious mid-day meals run $3.50 a treat. We have a couple of larger dessert pies also in stock! The 9 in. versions are $15.

Upohar offers Hummus ($4.50) and Sambusa's ($5 for 2), and anything you would like to order from them, to be delivered to the store for lunch pick up.

We have more baking supplies in the store. From Yeast & Baking Soda, to Coconut Flour & Cacao chips.

Honey is back in Jars until the the bulk container is rebuilt! That was a sticky mess!

In the nearest future:
We are working with Fischer's Fresh to provide BULK Muesli and Granolas! I'm excited to see a whole shelf filled with her delicious products! There is nothing Plain Jane about her foods.
Todd Spitler will be filling our walls with his incredible photography of foods (mostly bought from Expressly Local)
Olive Oil will be back in bulk.
& The Juice Bar is still in the works...

Hope to see you on our next First Friday. Mom LOVES to feed people, so there is always something to eat at our event.

Another Reminder:

2011-07-27T20:56:00.000-07:00

If you are currently apart of the Subscription Program, or are interested: August sign ups are due by the 5th (First Friday!)
We are planning another sample night with music! Please come by and try a few more NEW products.

XOXO,
Daniella
(the Daughter)

FIRST FRIDAY (tonight!)

2011-07-01T02:40:00.000-07:00

Tonight we are holding a tasting of a lot of products, so come in and try some of our foods you've been curious about! We will be open until at least 9PM, and I promise food all the way til close, cuz I hate it when tasting run out of food.
This is the day to sign up for the subscription offer, as well. And for those new to the program, receive your welcome gift during our celebration.

Thank you all for your support! Many more changes and improvements to come... so keep checking in!

XOXO,
Daniella (the daughter)

Subscription Gifts!

2011-06-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

REMEMBER YOUR GIST BAG!

Today is the first day of your $15 a week of FREE PRODUCE! When you come in to shop, remember to pick up your Welcome Gift for signing up for the Subscription, just in case the 10% all Local products wasn't enough to show you how much we care about our customers!

For those who have friends that might be interested in this WAY to good to be true (because my mom is not a business person at all) offer, have them come in BY THE 3rd of JUNE to get in on the deal.

AFTER THAT, we won't be accepting anyone else for the month of JUNE! July's Price may go up for those who want to start in July... SO DON'T WAIT!

XOXO

email us: expresslylocal@gmail.com
or call: 717-295-1850

Who said there was NO PARKING at ELF's??

2011-05-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

There is free parking available at the store. As you approach Expressly Local on King St. after crossing Mulberry Street, you will see the Rendezvous restaurant there are 2 driveways. The second driveway once served the now vacant District Magistrate Offices. It is a one story green brick building. All the parking behind that building is available. On weekends you can park in the lot directly behind our store, on the right side of the lot.

(to the right of this photo would be the shop 4 doors down. This is the shot of the alley in between The sandwich shop and the old Social Security building)

View Larger Map

((And if that seems too far, then support us during our growth and expansion time. We can expand into the back room and have an entrance car side :). T XOXO, Daniella))

Spring has SPRUNG!

2011-05-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

Spring with all its beauty and promise is finally here!

What a tumultuous wet and windy season so far. The constant cloud cover held back the first harvests of the season. Expressly Local Food has undergone an equally tumultuous time over the past 2 months. While the restless changes of spring are expected, the store has undergone an unanticipated but welcome transformation.

In early March I learned that Abundant Earth Co-op was leaving. They joined us while Expressly Local was still testing our concept at Eastern Market. They brought to our store some of the organic food and Eco-friendly products not available locally.

To survive and thrive I knew I had to revisit my original and oft stated vision
for ELF. While emphasizing quality local products , staples not native to
Lancaster such as rice, legumes, seeds, nuts, coffee, spices and teas are now
available in bulk and still organic.

It has taken much time to change direction and replenish what
customers are accustomed to finding. You are invited to let me or Danielle know what you expect to find at Expressly Local Food.

In my last Blog, before the above mentioned changes, I told you about the irony of having summer bounty just when traffic dwindles because of the many options available all summer. Most of our customers belong to CSA's and eat out of their gardens. So my offer was and still is a subscription to Expressly Local Food. You will be supporting over 25+ small diversified Lancaster farms and gardens.

For $10 a week paid monthly ($40) you are entitled to $15 of produce of your choice as well as a 10% discount on all locally produced foods, dairy, meat and baked goods. The $40 you pay is a credit deducted in $10 increments per visit. In this way I hope to secure a committed customer base throughout the season. If this plan works a subscription plan will continue after the perilous farmers market season ends. As you know we have local produce year round in addition to all our other local food offerings.

The subscriptions start in June and payments should be made to Expressly Local Food by May 21.

Our regulars have watched this transition and welcomed it, appreciative of our mission to be bring the widest selection of quality local food under one roof year round. If you haven't been in for awhile (2 months) come see what we are doing.

This is not a royal "we". Another delightful and necessary addition to Expressly Local Food is my daughter Danielle Young. She is introducing a juice bar within the upcoming month (launch date June 1st!). She made juices, smoothies and coffee treats at a cafe in Los Angeles, where she lived for 8 years working as a video editor and photographer. I am thrilled to have such a gifted person join me at this critical time.

Cheryl

This 11 y.o. boy knows more about farming and local food then I did at *cough age

2011-04-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

5 minutes.. in 5 minutes he tells why everyone should eat local, and he is 11. Impressive.

Something to Ponder...

2011-04-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

Expressly Local is switching over to Bring-Your-Own-Container Bulk, though there will always be bags available for those who forget their own containers.

While it is economical to buy in bulk during these hard days, our over all goal is to be a LOW-Impact grocery store, as much as we can. We are trying to cut out the use of plastics and other non-recyclable superfluous packaging, that only builds our land-fills and destroys our environment.

Did you know that when you recycle a plastic bottle, that plastic can only be Down-cycled? That bottle can never be a plastic bottle again.

Below is a short video of 5 minutes.
Enjoy!

Your store just keeps getting better!

2011-04-13T13:48:00.001-07:00

if you haven't been in, yet.... Here is what you're missing!

WE INVITE YOU TO WATCH

2011-04-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

No Impact Man:

Though we can't all be complete angels, we can learn and adapt these principles into our own lives. Watch, Enjoy, Get Inspired!

FILL IN YOUR GARDEN’S BOUNTY & YOUR CSA SHARE

2011-03-18T11:19:00.000-07:00

with a EXPRESSLY LOCAL FOOD SUBSCRIPTION!

Spring is just around the corner, and with our network of growers, we have been planning the many gardens supplying Expressly Local with you, the Expressly Local Customer, in mind. Before you know it, our growers will be harvesting heirloom and unusual varieties of veggies, dried beans, artichokes, peppers, beets, carrots, beans, eggplants, squash, potatoes, onions and much more. You can fill-in your local food needs with these items by purchasing our new Local Food Subscription.

Here's how it works. You can receive a 10% discount on local veggies, meats, and dairy during the months of June through October by paying a monthly upfront amount of $40. By doing this you are making a pledge of support to Expressly local and our extensive network of local producers who rely on us to sell their food.

To Clarify Offer:
For $10 dollars a week, you receive $15 dollars of produce (fruits and vegetables), as well as 10% off all product at Expressly Local

With so many ways to get locally grown food during the harvest months, our traffic declined just when we had the greatest bounty to offer! Those who care about chemical free and locally grown food, in other words our customers, are usually gardeners who may also belong to a CSA, who frequent farmers markets and stop at roadside stands. By pledging your monthly support of $40 you ensure the livelihood of the store and our growers.

This is true community supported agriculture.

Expressly Local stands by the value that we offer as a neighborhood grocery store. When opting for other choices, remember that we know how and where our produce is grown and what our chickens do on any given day. Our food is not certified organic but is vouched for and personally overseen by us. We think no label can substitute for real relationships.

That is also why Expressly Local is a true resource for the neighborhood. Our neighbors are from all walks of life; they can walk to ELF for decent food, a cup of coffee, and friendly conversation. While customers come and go, Expressly Local is the anchor that adds value by staying in place.

You rely on ELF for 8 months of the year when we often are the only source of locally produced food. You can help to ensure we will be here by filling in your food needs at Expressly Local over the upcoming season. Please consider doing this by pledging your support with a Local Food Subscription.

If you are interested in our Local Food Subscription please contact us to express your interest: (expresslyLocal(at)gmail(dot) com). You can also mail a check of $40 per month to 213 West King 17603 or pay in person. We look forward to serving you the highest quality local foods!

Pssst, and tell your friends!

29 Healthy Food Hot List

2011-03-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

The following is a "healthy food hot list" consisting of the 29 food that will give you the biggest nutritional bang for you caloric buck, as well as decrease your risk for deadly illnesses like cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Fruits
01. Apricots
The Power:  Beta-carotene, which helps prevent free-radical damage and protect the eyes. The body also turns beta-carotene into vitamin A, which may help ward off some cancers, especially of the skin. One apricot has 17 calories, 0 fat, 1 gram of fiber. Snacks on them dried, or if you prefer fresh, buy when still firm; once they soften, they lose nutrients.

02. Avocados
The Power:  Oleic acid, an unsaturated fat that helps lower overall cholesterol and raise levels of HDL, plus a good dose of fiber. One slice has 81 calories, 8 grams of fat and 3 grams of fiber. Try a few slices instead of mayonnaise to dress up your next burger.

03. Raspberries
The Power:  Ellagic acid, which helps stall cancer-cell growth. These berries are also packed with vitamin C and are high in fiber, which helps prevent high cholesterol and heart disease. A cup has only 60 calories, 1 gram of fat and 8 grams of fiber. Top plain low-fat yogurt or oatmeal (another high fiber food) with fresh berries.

05. Cantaloupe
The Power:  Vitamin C (117mg in half a melon, almost twice the recommended daily dose) and beta-carotene - both powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from free-radical damage. Plus, half a melon has 853mg of potassium - almost twice as much as a banana, which helps lower blood pressure. Half a melon has 97 calories, 1 gram of fat and 2 grams of fiber. Cut into cubes and freeze, then blend into an icy smoothie.
06. Cranberry Juice
The Power:  Helps fight bladder infections by preventing harmful bacteria from growing. A cup has 144 calories, 0 grams of fat and 0 fiber. Buy 100 percent juice concentrate and use it to spice up your daily H20 without adding sugar.

07. Tomato
The Power:  Lycopene, one of the strongest carotenoids, acts as an antioxidant. Research shows that tomatoes may cut the risk of bladder, stomach and colon cancers in half if eaten daily. A tomato has 26 calories, 0 fat and 1 gram of fiber. Drizzle fresh slices with olive oil, because lycopene is best absorbed when eaten with a little fat.

08. Raisins
The Power:  These little gems are a great source of iron, which helps the blood transport oxygen and which many women are short on. A half-cup has 218 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Sprinkle raisins on your morning oatmeal or bran cereal - women, consider this especially during your period.

09. Figs
The Power:  A good source of potassium and fiber, figs also contain vitamin B6, which is responsible for producing mood-boosting serotonin, lowering cholesterol and preventing water retention. The Pill depletes B6, so if you use this method of birth control, make sure to get extra B6 in your diet. One fig has 37 to 48 calories, 0 fat and 2 grams of fiber. (Cookie lovers - fig bars have around 56 calories, 1 gram of fat and 1 gram of fiber per cookie). Fresh figs are delicious simmered alongside a pork tenderloin and the dried variety make a great portable gym snack.

10. Lemons and Limes
The Power:  Limonene, furocoumarins and vitamin C, all of which help prevent cancer. A wedge has 2 calories, 0 fat and 0 fiber. Buy a few of each and squeeze over salads, fish, beans and vegetables for fat free flavor. See also: Beneficial Bytes: Lemons and Limes.

Vegetables

11. Onions
The Power:  Quercetin is one of the most powerful flavonoids (natural plant antioxidants). Studies show it helps protect against cancer. A cup (chopped) has 61 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Chop onions for the maximum phytonutrient boost, or if you hate to cry, roast them with a little olive oil and serve with rice or other vegetables.

12. Artichokes
The Power:  These odd-looking vegetables contain silymarin, an antioxidant that helps prevent skin cancer, plus fiber to help control cholesterol. One medium artichoke has 60 calories, 0 fat and 7 grams of fiber. Steam over boiling water for 30 to 40 minutes. Squeeze lemon juice on top, then pluck the leaves off with your fingers and use your teeth to scrape off the rich-tasting skin. When you get to the heart, you have found the best part!

13. Ginger
The Power:  Gingerols may help reduce queasiness; other compounds may help ward off migraines and arthritis pain by blocking inflammation-causing prostaglandins. A teaspoon of fresh gingerroot has only 1 calorie, 0 fat and 0 fiber. Peel the tough brown skin and slice or grate into a stir-fry.

14. Broccoli
The Power:  Indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane, which help protect against breast cancer. Broccoli also has lots of vitamin C and beta-carotene. One cup (chopped) has 25 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Don't overcook broccoli - instead, microwave or steam lightly to preserve phytonutrients. Squeeze fresh lemon on top for a zesty and taste, added nutrients and some vitamin C.

15. Spinach
The Power:  Lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that help fend off macular degeneration, a major cause of blindness in older people. Plus, studies show this green fountain of youth may help reverse some signs of aging. One cup has 7 calories, 0 fat and 1 gram of fiber. Add raw leaves to a salad or saute with a little olive oil and garlic.

16. Bok Choy (Chinese cabbage)
The Power:  Brassinin, which some research suggests may help prevent breast tumors, plus indoles and isothiocyanates, which lower levels of estrogen, make this vegetable a double-barreled weapon against breast cancer. A cup will also give you 158mg of calcium (16 percent of your daily recommended requirement) to help beat osteoporosis. A cup (cooked) has 20 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Slice the greens and juicy white stalks, then saute like spinach or toss into a stir-fry just before serving.

17. Squash (Butternut, Pumpkin, Acorn)
The Power:  Winter squash has huge amounts of vitamin C and beta-carotene, which may help protect against endometrial cancer. One cup (cooked) has 80 calories, 1 gram of fat and 6 grams of fiber. Cut on in half, scoop out the seeds and bake or microwave until soft, then dust with cinnamon.

18. Watercress and Arugula
The Power:  Phenethyl isothiocyanate, which, along with beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, may help keep cancer cells at bay. One cup has around 4 calories, 0 fat and 1 gram of fiber. Do not cook these leafy greens; instead, use them to garnish a sandwich or add a pungent, peppery taste to salad.

19. Garlic
The Power:  The sulfur compounds that give garlic its pungent flavor can also lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol, lower blood pressure and even reduce your risk of stomach and colon cancer. A clove has 4 calories, 0 fat and 0 fiber. Bake a whole head for 15 to 20 minutes, until soft and sweet and spread on bread instead of butter.

Grains, Beans, Dairy and Nuts

20. Quinoa
The Power:  A half cup of cooked quinoa has 5 grams of protein, more than any other grain, plus iron, riboflavin and magnesium. A half-cup has 318 calories, 5 grams of fat and 5 grams of fiber. Add to soup for a protein boost. Rinse first, or it will taste bitter.

21. Wheat Germ
The Power:  A tablespoon gives you about 7 percent of your daily magnesium, which helps prevent muscle cramps; it is also a good source of vitamin E. One tablespoon has 27 calories, 1 gram of fat and 1 gram of fiber. Sprinkle some over yogurt, fruit or cereal.

22. Lentils
The Power:  Isoflavones, which may inhibit estrogen-promoted breast cancers, plus fiber for heart health and an impressive 9 grams of protein per half cup. A half-cup (cooked) has 115 calories, 0 fat and 8 grams of fiber. Isoflavones hold up through processing, so buy lentils canned, dried or already in soup. Take them to work, and you will have a protein packed lunch.

23. Peanuts
The Power:  Studies show that peanuts or other nuts (which contain mostly unsaturated "good" fat) can lower your heart-disease risk by over 20 percent. One ounce has 166 calories, 14 grams of fat and 2 grams of fiber. Keep a packet in your briefcase, gym bag or purse for a protein-packed post-workout nosh or an afternoon pick me up that will satisfy you until supper, or chop a few into a stir-fry for a Thai accent. See also: The Nut Case

24. Pinto Beans
The Power:  A half cup has more than 25 percent of your daily requirement of folate, which helps protect against heart disease and reduces the risk of birth defects. A half-cup (canned) has 103 calories, 1 gram of fat and 6 grams of fiber. Drain a can, rinse and toss into a pot of vegetarian chili.

25. Yogurt
The Power:  Bacteria in active-culture yogurt helps prevent yeast infections; calcium strengthens bones. A cup has 155 calories, 4 grams of fat, 0 grams of fiber. Get the plain kind and mix in your own fruit to keep calories and sugar down. If you are lactose intolerant, never fear -- yogurt should not bother your tummy.

26. Skim Milk
The Power:  Riboflavin (a.k.a. vitamin B2) is important for good vision and along with vitamin A might help improve eczema and allergies. Plus, you get calcium and vitamin D, too. One cup has 86 calories, 0 fat and 0 fiber. If you are used to high fat milk, don't go cold turkey; instead, mix the two together at first. Trust this fact: In a week or two you won't miss it!

Seafood

27. Shellfish (Clams, Mussels)
The Power:  Vitamin B12 to support nerve and brain function, plus iron and hard-to-get minerals like magnesium and potassium. Three ounces has 126 to 146 calories, 2 to 4 grams of fat and 0 fiber. Try a bowl of tomato-based (and low fat) Manhattan clam chowder.

28. Salmon
The Power: Cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna are the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce the risk of cardiac disease. A 3-ounce portion (cooked) has 127 calories, 4 grams of fat, 0 fiber. Brush fillets with ginger-soy marinade and grill or broil until fish flakes easily with a fork.

29. Crab
The Power: A great source of vitamin B12 and immunity-boosting zinc. A 3-ounce portion has 84 calories, 1 gram of fat, 0 fiber. The "crab" in sushi is usually made from fish; buy it canned instead and make your own crab cakes.

Enjoy!

READ MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS at Belly Bytes

How Expressly Local Food Came to Be

2010-09-20T16:50:00.000-07:00

It has been nearly a year since Expressly Local Food opened a storefront at 213 West King Street in Lancaster City. From October 31, 2009, until now, I have been so preoccupied with running the store,(which often feels like breaking a wild horse bareback), we have been remiss in keeping in touch with our community of well wishers which currently numbers over 400. --Cheryl

How Expressly Local Food Came to Be

Four years ago I ran stands at several summer markets and wondered where people go after the markets end, envisioning a one stop, year-round shop for locally produced food. It was something we valued. The first slogan was “Local Food for Local Folk”.

In addition to the convenience of having local food under one roof, we trusted many would welcome the fact that we vouch for the methods our farmers use. We offer not just local but healthy food! Transparency is an ever increasing value, along with traceability. We identify all our producers and their methods. I consider this the greatest value of our part in the food distribution chain.

There is a great deal of conventional farming in Lancaster County, meaning reliance upon chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides and hormones. You can eat local, fresh poisoned food, which I admit is preferable to shipped in food grown in a similar fashion.

I have talked with many local farmers and found that, like political views , people are proud of their opinions and readily disclose their methods and reasons for employing them.

The food we sell while not always certified organic, is chemical free and grown using traditional sustainable methods. Locally grown food without organic certification is far more affordable. Our growers are all small diversified farms; ironically organic farms require so much documentation they are rarely as diversified. Another goal was to charge supermarket prices, not health food prices.

The Amish farmers benefit because we pick up at the farm, paying an agreed upon price and taking all they grow for us. We plan this growing in the winter pouring over heirloom seed catalogues, selecting unusual varieties. We are with them from seed,to feed to weed. That is why we can vouch for what we sell.

Word spread among the Amish. Many want to grow for Expressly Local Food and phone me usually around 6:00 am. We currently buy from 7 Samuel Stoltzfus, 6 Katie Stoltzfus and an array of Lapps, Fishers and Beilers. This fall a family reunion is planned; 90% of our growers will be in attendance. The reason for this gathering is to divvy up the planting for next season based upon the experience of this season.

The current season, aside from erratic weather adversely affecting several crops, our customer base shrank as other market venues opened. Home gardens flourished. Most of our customers belong to CSAs. Ironically when we had the most locally produced food we had the least demand. Our customers went elsewhere. We will have to plan our next summer with this fact in mind; perhaps we will offer a CSA of our own.

Thanks to 2 Sam Stoltzfus, one in Little Britain the other in White Horse, this winter we will have locally grown produce,chard, spinach, kale,mesclun,lettuces, carrots, herbs. We will continue to offer organic produce from Paradise Organics.

Since opening we have added many new products and suppliers. All our beef is now Angus 100% grass fed, thanks to Lil' Ponderosa and Ironstone. Eberly's Poultry is our sole source for chicken. Farm Fromage, a.k.a Howard Field has deepened our cheese offerings. Soon we will have delectable Essen products. This holiday season you will have a wide array of quality local products to select from for gift giving!

If you haven't been in recently or ever, we know you will be impressed by the rich array of local food we have assembled!