by Natasha Khairullah
Staff Writer
Eating right is plain common sense for Rebecca and Maurice Welch of Common Ground Bakery.
The couple work for the commune-based bakery out of Brunswick, Ga. and make the hour-long trek to Jacksonville every week to share baked artisan goods from their shop with the patrons of the Friday Farmers’ Market in Hemming Plaza. They have been one of the 4-year-old event’s most popular vendors. The Welches say there is a good reason for their success.
“It’s because of the unity we put into the effort,” said Maurice. “We all live together and put our love for our customers into our cooking.”
The Welch’s products include everything from whole grain bread to jalapeno cheese loaves – both of which are popular products among regulars of the Farmers’ Market – and all items are the products of the 50-person commune style bakery. All are considered healthy alternatives to the usual food products that are generally found at area grocery stores.
The Welches say although places like Target and Publix have organic and whole food sections, the difference between Common Ground products and those at the supermarkets is that Common Ground products are hand made.
“People like coming here because they know that what they are getting was made within the last 24 hours,” said Rebecca. “You can’t get that around here, or anywhere for that matter, without going to like a mom and pop bakery. I think that’s why people like us.”
Farmers’ Market Manager Ed Jenkins agrees with the Welches. Jenkins was the one who initially decided to bring the Common Ground vendors on board eight months ago and said they are one of the event’s “new permanents.”
“Part of what our goal was with this Farmers’ Market was to get people to try new things and have a reason to come Downtown on a Friday. I know a large handful of folks who come to the market just for their stuff because it’s something new and different,” said Jenkins, adding the sweet potato loaf is one of his favorite products that the Welches bring to the market.
The Welches first got involved in the business of manufacturing organic and whole grain products at a cafe they worked at in the New England area. They eventually moved to Georgia and one year ago, they got involved with Common Ground both baking and selling the products. Currently, Maurice and Rebecca take turns coming out to the Farmers’ Market – sometimes they both come and bring their children. The couple says that they will continue to come to the Market as long as people keep asking for their products.
“The day I come out here and don’t get a single request for some sweet potato bread,” said Maurice, “then we’ll think of ending our visits. Until then, we’re here to stay.”