Local restaurant/market teams with local growers
With increased consumer focus on the importance of incorporating more fruits and vegetables into a healthy, balanced diet, The Sandy Butler is now partnering with Rabbit Run Farms in Fort Myers to offer customers a wider variety of local, seasonal fresh fruits and heirloom vegetables in its restaurant and market.
“Rabbit Run Farm is a pesticide-free hydroponic farm that grows fresh, organic and rare varieties of fruits and vegetables such as Dragon’s Tongue, a Dutch heirloom that is yellow with amazing purple streaks that turn green when cooked,” said Jason Nelson, The Sandy Butler general manager. “We buy additional local produce from growers in Immokalee, Florida. In addition, we use our own locally-grown Valencia oranges from our groves in Alva, Florida to make fresh-squeezed orange juice that is sold in our market.”
The addition of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables from Rabbit Run Farm comes as The Sandy Butler recognizes National Fruit and Veggies More Matters Month. During the month of September, the Centers for Disease Control is promoting more ways to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.
According to the CDC, research shows that fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that may help protect you from chronic diseases. Compared with people who consume a diet with only small amounts of fruits and vegetables, those who eat more generous amounts as part of a healthful diet are likely to have reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke and perhaps other cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers.
“At The Sandy Butler, our customers want healthy, fresh alternatives so we offer local, seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible,” said Nelson. “Right now, seasonal produce includes a variety of fresh squash, including acorn, spaghetti and butternut. All the produce that is used in the restaurant also is found in the market. The Sandy Butler is committed to serving the finest, freshest, gourmet foods available.”