Ila’s Foods Vends at the Tumwater Farmers Market

86 Shares

There is nothing better than fresh and local products found at your local farmers market. Fans of Ila’s Foods will now be able to pick up their favorite products from the Tumwater Farmers Market. Starting this season, Ila’s Foods will be selling jams, jellies and spreads made with locally sourced ingredients. The Tumwater Farmers Market has always been a place to get an amazing array of array of local produce, food, arts, crafts and items for your home. “I’m really excited,” says Debra Kilcup of Ila’s Foods. “This is an opportunity for me to get my name out there in a new way.”

Ilas Foods tumwater famers market
Ila’s Foods’ products can now be found at the local company’s booth at the Tumwater Farmers Market. Photo courtesy: Ila’s Foods

The Tumwater Farmers Market, which is operated and governed by volunteers, works towards supporting local agriculture and educating the public about nutrition. Farmers markets allow us to buy as local as possible, supporting the economy of Thurston County and making connections within the community, while getting access to fresh food. The location of the Tumwater Farmers Market, in the southwest corner of Capitol Boulevard and Israel Road, has great walkability, making a visit even more enjoyable. The Tumwater Farmers Market also has a SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Benefits Match Program, accepting EBT cards and matching them up to $20. This allows more community members access to healthy, fresh, and local produce, supporting the organization’s mission of improving access to making healthy food choices.

Ila’s Foods has participated in countless food festivals, fairs, and similar events before, including the Gig Harbor Farmers Market, but this will be their first permanent position at a farmers market local to Thurston County. Debra looks forward to the opportunity of becoming further involved in the community of local vendors; sourcing her ingredients from many local businesses such as Spooner Berry Farms, community support is an important aspect of Ila’s Foods.

Ilas Foods outdoor display
With 80+ different products, Ila’s Foods is sure to have flavors that will instantly become favorites. Photo courtesy: Ila’s Foods

Ila’s Foods is still in the process of determining which products will be available at the Tumwater Farmers Market, but Debra says that we can expect to see the best-selling, “classic” products. Debra also plans to have a special on a different a product each week, introducing customers to exciting new products at a reduced cost, and plans on offering samples at her table.

Along with the Tumwater Farmers Market, Ila’s Foods will now be vending at Farm Boy Drive-In Restaurant, a locally owned restaurant that hosts a car show with space for vendors. The car show will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., just in time for dinner, every Saturday through summer.

Customer-Inspired Treats

Along with the introduction of two new locations where Ila’s Foods will be vending, more exciting changes are coming in the form of several new products being introduced. While many product ideas are simply Debra’s ideas, many are also inspired by suggestions from customers, friends, and family. Ila’s Foods typically offers products with unique, innovative flavor combinations, so Debra initially was hesitant about the suggestions she received to create a product with strawberry and rhubarb, a classic flavor combination. However, eventually, she tested out a Strawberry Rhubarb Jam, which quickly became a favorite, and has been a staple of Ila’s Foods ever since.

Ilas Foods seahawks jam
12th Jam Aftershawk, with marionberries, jalapenos, and habaneros, is one of Ila’s Foods’ most popular flavors. Photo courtesy: Ila’s Foods

Recently, a customer who was inspired by the Strawberry Rhubarb Jam suggested that Debra try creating a product with raspberry and rhubarb flavors. Debra took her suggestion, and began working on Raspberry Rhubarb Jam. Customers can look for a finalized version soon, along with a trial of the Raspberry Rhubarb Jam at the Tumwater Farmers Market.

Ila’s Foods will be at the Tumwater Farmers Market on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Farm Boy Drive-In Restaurant car show on Saturdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Stop by to see new products, grab a sample and take home your favorites. You can also visit the Ila’s Foods website for more information on products and where to buy.

Ila’s Foods
8036 River Dr Suite 204, Olympia
360-877-6295

Sponsored

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
86 Shares