By Andrea Reay, Executive Director, Discover Burien

People are paying more attention to their health these days. They are taking responsibility and action, paying attention to what’s in their food and where it comes from. This increase in food awareness has helped to inspire the Farmers Market movement. There are over 41 active Farmers Markets in King County alone. Discover Burien is proud to produce and organize ours in Burien. With over 45 vendors that include ready to eat, locally made boxed lunches, handmade goods, and farm fresh products, there really is something for everyone to explore and enjoy healthy living.

Want to grow your own produce? Burien is also very fortunate to have our very own community garden or B-Patch, located at 437 SW 144th St. Residents farm their own 75 square foot garden starting in April. It’s amazing the amount of produce that 75 square feet can produce. Can’t get a spot at the community garden, and don’t think you have enough yard space to start your own? Think again. My friend Larry Kirby and his wife Jea Ma decided their front lawn was overrated, tore it out and converted it to a garden for growing produce. Larry said “Grass is a lot of work and water for something you can't eat. For the same space, you can grow quite a few tasty dinners to eat outside over the summer. I'm becoming convinced that grass is a complete scam.”

Want to add a few chickens to your urban farm? Go ahead, in the city of Burien you can have 3 hens (no roosters). But, those 3 hens can lay on average between 3-6 eggs a day. One of my favorite summer dinners is a mixed greens salad with a simple vinaigrette and a poached egg. Once you have a truly farm fresh egg, you won’t want to eat anything else.

In Burien, Hayes Feed and Country Store located at 908 SW 152nd St, has all the supplies you need to keep your chickens happy and healthy and get you well on your way to enjoying the best parts of country living here in the heart of the Seattle metro area.

For more information on the Burien Farmers Market, shopping local as well as specials and discounts offered by member businesses please visit www.discoverburien.com