What is a farmers market?
A place where local farmers or growers gather to sell their goods directly to the public. It can be held indoors, outside, only during certain months, or year-round. Goods can include fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, herbs, baked goods, jams, flowers, and other homemade or hand-crafted items.
Along similar lines, you can also obtain local goods from farm stands, natural foods co-ops, pick-your-own farms, natural foods stores, and farm CSA (community supported agriculture) programs.
Farmers markets are easy to find.
1. Produce at a Farmers Market is fresher due to the fact that most was picked within hours of arriving. Several studies have shown that the average distance food travels from farm to plate is 1,500 miles. In a week-long (or more) delay from harvest to dinner table, sugars turn to starches, plant cells shrink, and produce loses its vitality. Food at the Market is picked at its height of freshness. It is crisp, sweet and loaded with flavor. Children and adults alike, delight in eating a tree ripened peach or a vine ripened tomato.
2. Studies show that fresh produce loses nutrients quickly. The fresh-picked food that tastes so delicious is more nutritious as well. Freshly picked ripe food is at its peak in flavor and nutrition. Fresh fruit and vegetables are full of antioxidants and phytonutrients.
3. SNAP and WIC cards are accepted at most farmers markets.
4. You can try a new fruit or vegetable! Have you ever tasted kohlrabi? Many farmers markets offer lesser known fruits and vegetables, providing a variety that can be both tasty and nutritious. You will find a large selection and unique varieties of foods not found in supermarkets.
5. Farmers often have good recommendations on ways to prepare their products.
6. Eat healthier foods. Create a healthy plate with goodies from your local farmers market. Visit different booths to pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate
7. You’re investing in and strengthening the economy of your community.The United States is rapidly losing farmland. Shopping at a Farmers Market offers local farmers the opportunity to sell their products directly to the consumer. Buying your food directly from a farmer helps him or her continue to farm. Farmers markets can be important anchors for vibrant communities. Meet your local farmers, learn about foods grown in your area and catch up with friends and neighbors while stocking up with local goods. Supporting your local farmers market strengthens your community. You’re helping to preserve local farms and farmland..
8. It's a great way to get your kids involved. Let them pick out something new to try, then they can help prepare a meal or snack.
9. You’re reducing environmental impact less transportation costs and pollution, little to no packaging, and you’re cutting out the “middlemen”.
10. You should know your food (where it’s from, who grew it, and how).
Farmers markets are (generally) more affordable and/or of higher quality than supermarkets (it’s difficult to compare local food with supermarket food in terms of prices alone—you need to consider quality, nutrient availability, environmental impact, and growing, processing and storing methods).
It is a great learning experience for you and your family (an opportunity to talk to the farmers, learn new recipes or techniques, and try new foods)
Shopping at farmers markets supports your local farmers and keeps the money you spend closer to your neighborhood.
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