Middle Island Gardens Wins Food Contest
Along with Michael Miller of "Field to Fire"
Andrea Fraga of Middle Island Gardens and Michael Miller of “Field to Fire” are the winners of the sixth annual Sitka Food Business Innovation Contest, sponsored by the Sitka Local Foods Network.
- Middle Island Gardens, operated by Fraga and her partner Kaleb Aldred, has been a regular participant of the Sitka Farmers Market for several years. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/MiddleIslandGardens.
- Field to Fire is a new business in Sitka, but Miller has operated the pre-made packaged meal company at farmers markets in the St. Louis area. Learn more on his website: fieldtofirestl.com/ and in this Feast Magazine article
Charles Bingham said, “Middle Island Gardens has been one of Sitka’s main suppliers of fresh local produce for nearly a decade, while Field to Fire plans to use locally sourced ingredients in his meals.”
Fraga said she planned to use her winnings to make repairs around her small farm, which is located on one of Sitka’s barrier islands. The repairs will fix some winter damage and open up new space for growing produce.
Middle Island Gardens started selling produce at the Sitka Farmers Market in 2016, and has been a regular market vendor since. Fraga and Aldred grow about half of the locally grown produce sold at each market. They grow garlic, lettuce and other greens, carrots, turnips, onions, flowers, and more on their farm, and they use a skiff to bring the fresh veggies to town.
Field to Fire is a business new to Sitka even though it’s been in operation at the Tower Grove Farmers Market in St. Louis. Miller said he plans to use his prize to buy supplies for launching his business in Sitka (his St. Louis operation is still going). He moved to Sitka when his wife, Julie, took a clinical dietician job at SEARHC Medical Center, and now Mike works in the MEMC kitchen.
“What an incredible honor it is to have won this contest,” Miller said. “I very much look forward to providing unique, delicious and sustainable meal options to this amazing community.”
