By Michelle Caceres
When Temple Terrace resident, Judy Gordon, opens her door on Saturday morning, she finds a variety of farm-fresh, locally-sourced organic produce and all-natural artisan products on her porch.
It’s not magic but a service, A Simpler Place in Time, which works with local organic farmers to bring fresh produce from their fields to consumers’ doors.
“I found it frustrating to live in a state with so much agriculture and not be able to find a good produce stand,” said Gordon, who places an order between Tuesday morning and Thursday at noon for Saturday delivery. She usually spends between $25 and $50 a week and finds the prices comparable to Whole Foods or Fresh Market.
Gordon usually orders a variety of greens, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, garlic, corn or beets.
“I am pleased with the variety and freshness of the produce,” she said.
A Simpler Place in Time owner, Renee Watley, said her business idea blossomed with her desire to return to a simpler time when produce was grown locally and organically (without the use of harmful chemicals) and when we raised animals in their natural environments. “I wanted to buy locally-grown organic products and humanely-raised meats and eggs,” she said.
Watley works with local farmers, especially during the growing season, but complements her offering with certified organic produce from other regions when not available through partner farmers.
Product availability changes weekly but can include asparagus, avocados, eggplant, carrots, kale, onions, oranges, pears, dates, tomatoes, fresh herbs, eggs, pork, brown rice, chestnuts, flax and bread.
In addition to the delivery service, A Simpler Place in Time, located at 9905 Carr Rd. in Riverview (across the street from St. Stephen’s Catholic School), also offers a marketplace, open Fridays 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. A producer’s only market on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. offers the rare treat of meeting the person that is growing your food. “Our goal is to create a place where people can come and connect with their food and create a sense of community,” said Watley.
For more information about A Simpler Place in Time or to place an order, visit www.asimplerplaceintime.com.
