Copley Square Farmers Market (Photo: Thomas Urell)

Hi PRK readers!  My name is Thomas Urell and I’ve been asked by Sue and Jessica to come on board for the fall term as an intern with Public Radio Kitchen.  From hereon I’m going to be writing posts, taking photos and working to keep PRK a hub for Boston foodies online.

I’ve been an eager eater and curious cook for as long as I can remember, though my experience with food has been mostly amateur.  I’m interested in all sides of the food story–agriculture, the restaurant industry, nutrition, cooking and eating.  I recently caught the photography bug, and through write-ups, photos and multimedia content I hope to bring a new perspective to the Boston food scene.

I am fascinated by the role food plays in our society.  The current discussion—in the media, online and among consumers—about the function of food distribution and production in our communities shows how engaged so many people are with their food, beyond just necessity and convenience.  This post by James McWilliams on the New York Times Freakonomics blog from last Friday is a challenge to the notion that farmers’ markets build community, a central element of the thinking behind eating locally.  I don’t agree with his conclusion, but his perspective as an historian is valuable.  We occasionally dip into the topic of farmers’ markets here at the Kitchen, so let us know: do you shop at them?  If so, is it for the produce, the community, both?  Something else? Please share your thoughts below.