OH, Forks!™ Memorial Day Updates!
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We’ve hit our first official “break” this market season, mainly because I ran out of almost EVERYTHING! During this time, I’m working on updating our websites, adding recipes, switching my business distributor accounts to wholesale, expanding my business world by partnering with other local restaurants and food places, working on getting this new cookbook published, and building the ever-growing #OHFORKS menus!
Here are our important updates, facts and frequently asked questions so far this year!
Updates:
*Just a heads up that one of our distributors has changed and dropped some of their ingredients! Which means that some of my recipes may be changing slightly! I am working on changing and gaining new distributors, which is an entirely new process to learn. I am not yet sure which items will be changed, if at all. Stay tuned for details!
*Our new bun gig was so much fun! Can’t wait to do it again! Keep your eyes peeled for gluten free buns on our local food trucks!
What markets will we be in this season?
We are attending Historic West Main Street on Friday evenings through October! Check our Facebook page for notices on when we will NOT be at market. We’ll also be in New Haven’s M3 again this year! On Wednesday evenings in July, they’ll be hosting the farmers market, craft fest & have food trucks with live bands each week! We also have a few events scheduled that are NOT food events, and more for the marketing side of our business that you’ll see popping up on our Facebook event page.
Why the new labels on the products?
The extra labels are there because I screwed up the Indiana HEA #1309 stated law wording on the main labels, and am working on updating all of those, as well. The extra labels ensure that I am following all laws with labeling and stating where my products are made.
Why can’t some of your special-order goods be made for market?
Market items must be shelf stable and hold a pH of <4.6. This is a LAW, along with not being able to make or sell certain types of foods. There are also many laws about opening sampling, packaging, ingredients listed and so much more! Hot items, or any item required to have freezers, are also not allowed to be sold by any vendor unless they are using a commercial or certified kitchen. This is why certain items will only ever be for special order pickups.
Why are you dropping out of some events around town?
This happens because certain events are not certified or registered for farmer’s market vendors (or home-based vendors) like myself. Many event planners are unaware that there are these requirements, or different types of paperwork required to host farmer’s market style events. When I am asked to join an event, I state that I am an HBV vendor, and list the type of products I have. Sometimes there is a miscommunication or misunderstanding about which vendors are allowed at said events. The Health Department then alerts me that I am not allowed, which is helpful, as setting up to tear down moments later is never any fun, and results in a lot of wasted product. If you are planning a market or event, be sure to keep your ducks in a row, and know which vendors you are allowed, and what type of event you are registered for.
As always, I am forever grateful for my regular customers & friends! You all help me to continue to slowly grow this business into something with a solid and strong foundation, that will hopefully be ready for the big advancements that the future holds!
See you at market!!