As the old saying goes, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away.’ The Highmark Farmstand at Easton Public Market, a program of the nonprofit Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP), is partnering with Highmark and Scholl Orchards in an eight-week campaign to deliver 5,000 pounds of farm-fresh apples to thank the Lehigh Valley’s frontline workers, caregivers and seniors.
Volunteers and staff from the Highmark Farmstand at Easton Public Market will deliver 5-pound baskets of crisp, local apples from Scholl Orchards as part of the “You’re the Apple of My Eye” campaign. The campaign is a way to show thanks for healthcare workers, first responders, community organizations, caregivers, and essential employees who have been tirelessly working to keep the community safe and healthy during the pandemic.
“This is a way to thank essential workers and support our local farmers at the same time,” says Megan McBride, director-Easton Market District (GEDP). “We’re grateful to our partners for joining us in this effort.”
Deliveries will start around Oct. 5, with the first baskets of apples earmarked for St. Luke’s Hospital-Easton campus.
“Highmark appreciates all of the front-line healthcare workers, first responders, community organizations, and other essential employees that are helping all of us get through the pandemic,” said Kathleen McKenzie, vice president of Community Affairs for Highmark. “Providing delicious apples from Scholl Orchards to these heroes is the least we can do, and we are pleased to take part in this effort with the Greater Easton Development Partnership and the Easton Public Market.”
Community members can also purchase “You’re the Apple of My Eye”-branded quarts to deliver on their own to essential workers, teachers, and first responders to show their thanks. Quarts of apples with the Apple of My Eye tag will cost $3 and will feature a new apple variety each week. Apples can be purchased from the Highmark Farmstand at Easton Public Market or ordered online (store.eastonpublicmarket.com) for curbside pick up. Participants are encouraged to share the treats they deliver to community members on social media by using the hashtags #appleofmyeye #awesometothecore and #bushelofthanks.
“We are proud to be part of the Easton Public Market that is providing fresh, healthy, local food for area residents,” McKenzie said. “We will be offering local apples – including from Scholl’s – throughout the fall at the Highmark Farmstand not only because they are delicious, but because of the many health benefits apples provide.”
Scholl Orchards, a fourth-generation family farm in Bethlehem, Pa., has been growing apples since 1948. Scholl Orchards has a variety of fruit trees and has expanded its apple offerings in recent years to include EverCrisp®, Ludacrisp and Rosalee.
“At Scholl Orchards, we would love for everyone in our community to be able to eat our apples and see and taste for themselves that local really is better,” says co-owner Ben Scholl.
Easton businesses will participate in the promotion by using Scholl Orchards apples in a range of dishes. In October, Two Rivers Brewing Co. will release You’re the Apple of My Eye Apple Pumpkin Ale (5.3% ABV, Amber ale brewed with pumpkins and pumpkin pie spices and aged on locally-grown apples from Scholl Orchards) and an Apple Kombucha. Bank Street Creamery will turn the apples into two ice cream flavors — Scholl’s Apple Butter Ice Cream and Scholl’s Apple Streusel Ice Cream. The Modern Crumb will offer caramel-dipped apples, apple tarts, apple cheddar danish, and a gluten-free apple cinnamon muffin. State Cafe & Grill will feature apples heavily on its fall menu including Apple Pie Pancakes, Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, savory sandwiches, and more.
Craving more apples? The Easton Public Market will also have a number of treats — including Chef Scott’s famous Apple Pie filling and homemade applesauce — available for sale through the Highmark Farmstand’s online store, store.eastonpublicmarket.com. Apple recipes will also be posted at eastonfarmersmarket.com/apple-of-my-eye.
For more information about the Easton Public Market, visit eastonpublicmarket.com.
ABOUT: Easton Public Market (EPM) is a project of the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP). EPM is a community-supported market offering the personal service and superior quality of an old-world grocery store, combined with a modern dining experience. Featuring artisanal food vendors, a farm stand, demonstration kitchen, and community room, EPM serves as a vibrant gathering space for shopping, dining, and learning. GEDP is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization focused on nurturing Easton's economic well-being and cultural vibrancy. It encompasses Easton Farmers’ Market, Easton Main Street Initiative, Easton Public Market, Easton Ambassadors, and PA Bacon Fest. For more information, contact Executive Director Jared Mast at 610-250-2078 or jared@eastonpartnership.org. Visit us online at eastonpartnership.org.
