Karen Zielke has become an expert in the market rate for produce.“Lately the lettuce that comes from California is so expensive, $50 a case,” Zielke says, reaching into a box of spinach.That’s what happens when you spend more than $1,000 a month on vegetables.Karen and her husband Mike are the founders of Chuluota Free Vegetable Distribution.
A grassroots effort to help their community.Twice a month, the couple creates up a pop-up farmers market in front of VFW Post 10139 in Chuluota.“Would you like some spinach?” Zielke asked one of the nearly 70 people who make their way to the fresh vegetable food bank.With, boxes and bags of vegetables spread out on folding tables, everyone kept their distance as they made their way in an orderly line.