• FORT BELVOIR, Va. 

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) commissary here hosted the first pop‐up farmer’s market featuring organic products. The pop-up was in operation from June 27 to July 4. 

This event kicked off the Defense Commissary Agency’s (DeCA) campaign to offer an expanded selection of organic produce and proteins throughout the enterprise. 

Organic products have become a fast‐growing segment of grocery shopping that promotes no pesticide residue in produce along with organic proteins that lower the risk of exposure to antibiotics, growth hormones and pesticides, providing for a more wholesome diet. 

“This farmer’s market was the perfect way to showcase our newly expanded organic offerings as well as our commitment to providing the freshest produce at the best prices for our valued customers,” said Jason White, chief, Perishable Division of DeCA’s Store Operations Group.  

“It also allowed to us to highlight our new assortment of organic proteins, such as beef, poultry and pork, with significant savings offered during this week‐long event,” he added. 

Commissaries will carry many of these new organic products, including beef, pork, turkey and a variety of sausages including both dinner and breakfast styles, in addition to the newly expanded assortment of organic produce items.  

THE EVENT 

The opening day festivities saw many patrons in attendance trying samples and loading up their carts with organic products.   

Senior DeCA and Department of Defense (DoD) leaders, as well as the Fort Belvoir Command Team, came by to support the event.  

“This is the same organic produce that is sold at local organic grocery stores — it’s farm to market, and provided at commissary prices,” said Stephen B. Simmons, deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy (DASD, MCFP), who spoke during the ceremony to open the event. 

The Fort Belvoir pop-up farmer’s market also featured product demonstrations, a melon destination station, special pricing and patron giveaways. 

“We were excited to host this first farmer’s market where our patrons had the opportunity to engage with regional growers and gain valuable information on the ever‐growing popularity of everything organic,” said Arvester “Al” Brooks, Fort Belvoir store director.  

“We had a great selection of regionally grown items from 

surrounding states which ensured our customers had the freshest options available during this week‐long event,” he added. 

MORE SUMMER POP-UPS 

More pop‐up farmer’s markets are scheduled throughout the summer at select commissary locations:  

Fort Meade, Md., July 14-20 

NB San Diego, Calif., Aug. 14-17 

NS Pearl Harbor, JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Aug. 19-24. 

Source: DeCA 

Edited by Larry Lapka