Jackson Free Press

JACKSON — Finally, a good reason to give someone a fruit basket: It's National Farmers Market Week. In a statement, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack encouraged people "to celebrate the important role farmers markets play in our nation's communities."

The Mississippi Farmers Market (929 High St., 601-354-6573) is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. The 18,000-square-foot facility market is the state's largest farmers market and promises customers that "No middleman, no big chain supermarket are involved but just the best food that comes straight from the field to you."

Another Hinds County market in Clinton (Downtown on Jefferson Street, 601-924-5472) is open Tuesdays from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Will everything taste better at Bruno's Adobo?

Chef Luis Bruno is bringing a new restaurant to the Standard Life Building (127 S. Roach St.; 601-944-9501) in downtown Jackson. The menu is built on healthy eating with a Latin/Caribbean twist. Menu items also include vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices. The restaurant's Facebook page states the restaurant will employ environmentally sustainable practices.

See more at jps.ms/farmersmarkets.

SBA Giving Big Bucks

Mississippi U. S. Small Business Administration approved 351 loans totaling $106 million through the first month of the final quarter of the 2012 fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30.

"These loans provided more opportunities for start-up or expanding small businesses to use toward working capital, equipment, furniture, inventory, real estate and other general business purposes," said SBA Mississippi district director Janita R. Stewart in a press release.

According to SBA information, the agency gave 194 loans totaling $63 million to underserved communities, which include business in low- to moderate-income areas, rural areas as well businesses owned by minorities and women. Veterans received 24 loans totaling $2.7 million.

The SBA will host a webinar titled "Start Building Your Recovery Plan Now" Tuesday, Aug. 14. The free one-hour online discussion focuses on building business continuity plans.

Fore!

GOLF Magazine gave shout-outs to several Mississippi Golf Courses. The magazine ranks Fallen Oak and Dancing Rabbit Azaleas Course Nos. 26 and 32, respectively.

Fallen Oak Golf Club is located at Biloxi's Beau Rivage Resort & Casino adjacent to the DeSoto National Forest. It has hosted the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic, a PGA Champions TOUR event, for the past three years. Dancing Rabbit's Azaleas and Oaks course are operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

Brent Christensen, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority, said the state is grateful for the acknowledgement. "With our year-round golf weather and immaculate courses, Mississippi is a must-visit destination, with an array of after-golf activities to further entice our guests," he said.