By Karen McBride
In general, people are searching for healthier options to serve their family at mealtime. Less processed food, gluten-free, and organic are high on their grocery lists. Luckily, we don’t have to go far to find natural and tasty food to feed our families.
Friendly Farm is a family-owned business. Batista “Junior” Madonia, his wife Angela, and her mother, Josephine Argento, opened the fresh produce market in 2014. Junior’s family has been in the agricultural business for many years, and he learned the intricacies of the business, including the best growing techniques as well as packaging and transporting the fruits and vegetables for optimum freshness.
Since freshness is the key to quality produce, the best option is to purchase locally, and that is precisely what Friendly Farm does. The eggs are purchased from a farm in Orlando, and the hormone-free milk is from a dairy farm in Myakka. Local honey, which is known to alleviate allergy symptoms, is purchased from honey makers in Land O’ Lakes and Winter Haven.
“The support we receive from the local community has been great, and we really appreciate it,” said Mark Tichy, the manager of Friendly Farm.
In addition to purchasing local products, Friendly Farm grows their own vegetables. The eight acres behind the market contain rows and rows of vegetables, including squash and tomatoes.
“Unfortunately, you can’t grow all items year round in Florida, but we do the best we can to get local produce,” said Tichy.
The bright red barn is conveniently situated on the corner of Highway 41 and Newberger Road. The accessible location allows commuters on the main thoroughfare to make a quick pit stop for fresh produce, milk, eggs, and more all in one market. In addition to fruits and vegetables, the market sells freshly made Cuban and banana bread, Amish products, locally made corn chips, and jams.
Friendly Farm is located at 206 Newberger Road, Lutz, FL 33549. The market is open Monday through Sat 9-6:30 and Sunday 9-6. For more information, go to their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friendly-Family-Farm-Lutz-Florida/657993390962149.