When Reda Harvey made the decision to leave her years of involvement in the corporate restaurant world, she returned home to Polk County. Harvey’s work history in restaurant management included Applebee’s, Cracker Barrel, California Pizza Kitchen and Longhorn Steaks.

Harvey knew she enjoyed working with others and being a part of the local food movement and thus decided to become a volunteer at the Mill Spring Farm Store. In September 2013, Harvey became the owner of the farm store and brought with her 32 years of food experience, dedication and a vision to the local food scene.

Over the last three years, the farm store has seen a transformation and experienced continuous growth. Harvey serves as a source for good, clean food. Harvey refers to clean food as “responsibly grown with a small footprint.” Produce is provided by local farms and locally sourced suppliers.

The Mill Spring Farm Store carries meats, poultry, eggs, organic dairy products and many, many value-added artisan products. The store also serves as a showplace for local artists. There is even an onsite blacksmith.

Harvey is continually sourcing new vendors. Two of the most recent new vendors are Anson Mills and Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company.

Anson Mills is located in Columbia, S.C. and they produce hand milled organic heirloom grains. Founder Glen Roberts has dedicated himself  to preserving and re-introducing heritage crops that date back to colonial days. Presently, the farm store offers Carolina gold rice, Sea Island peas, Charleston brown rice, yellow cornmeal, buckwheat flour and white antebellum quick grits.

The second company is Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company. All their seeds are non-hybrid, non-treated and non-patented. They acquire seed from small farmers and local growers all over the world. Both companies are historically minded preservationists that work to promote and preserve agricultural and culinary heritage.

The Mill Spring Farm Store is located in the Mill Spring Agricultural Center near the intersection of Hwy. 9 and Hwy. 108 at 156 School Rd., Mill Spring, N.C. For more information about the store, call 828-894-8028. Winter hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

– article submitted by Reda Harvey