You Reap What They Sow!

By E.M. Bell for ReVision Rendered, March 31,2010.

Do you find yourself running to and from work, home and ball practice; always settling for “prepackaged” salads and greasy fast food sandwiches? You are in for a real treat! Harvest Market Produce and Deli has the freshest produce, deli sandwiches and market fresh salads a body could want. Fresh, locally grown produce, farm fresh eggs, homemade chicken and potato salads, delicious soups, freshly roasted beef and Italian sausages too scrumptious to pass up. This lovely little store is much more than just a neighborhood produce market and deli, it epitomizes American ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit. I had the pleasure of meeting the Hill family that operates the establishment; and in watching them help customers pick fresh produce, and present them with fresh salads in neat “to go” boxes, I can report that their service is second to none. Harvest Market Produce and Deli is located just south of Cedar Shores plaza. Head south on 36th Avenue and look for the Harvest Market Produce and Deli in the plaza on the left at 3751 S.E. 36th Ave. Ocala, FL 34471. PH: (352) 624-2636.

Owner Russell Hill, Molly, & Rusty, prepared the most delicious chicken salad for me made with chunks of juicy chicken breast, chopped celery, a light creamy dressing, nestled in a bed of crisp romaine lettuce. We chatted while they prepared my lunch; all while filling orders for Reuben sandwiches and cartons of fresh eggs for customers on their waiting list. Their roast beef is slow roasted in house and sliced to order; and the Italian sausage is a wonderful addition to their grilled selections, with onions and peppers cooked while you wait! The deli case is full of delicious varieties of potato salad, pasta, broccoli and carrot salads; and each sold in 8oz., 16 oz., and 32 oz. sizes, at just $2.99 per pound. The dining area is quaint and comfortable with an enticing view of the fresh produce out front.

The brilliance behind Harvest Market Produce and Deli is plain and simple: good old American entrepreneurial drive. Rusty fondly reminisces with me about a successful produce stand of years past during our chat; recalling how enjoyable it was to offer market fresh produce, and how pleased his customers were with the goods he offered. Thank goodness for that inspiration today because it is the family atmosphere, wonderful produce and terrific service they provide that makes it such a pleasure to visit Harvest Market Produce and Deli.

Through the years we have slowly traded away local economies in favor of conglomerate arrangements with cheap, inferior products. Now, more than ever, we realize the value in the “Mom & Pop.” Our local economy needs all of our support to thrive. Today I am energized and encouraged by the hard working spirit of the Hill family; and I encourage you to experience the bounty they have in store for you at Harvest Market Produce and Deli.

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