Guess what’s fun to do this time of year…and includes healthy eating? Shopping at your local farmers’ markets, of course! There are just fewer than 8,000 farmers’ markets in the United States. This is a fabulous way to buy fresh local food, put money back into your community, and help the environment!
I love this time of year, and I try my best to plan regular outings each Wednesday and Saturday to visit our outdoor markets. With Orbit, my Great Dane in tow, we jump in the Mustang convertible where she rides shot gun, and we head out for a couple hours of fun and relaxation; spending the morning perusing the riverfront and sidewalks of our hometown farmers markets.
Why attend your local farmers’ market? If you aren’t yet convinced that this is a “calendar worthy” event, here are a few more reasons to consider going:
1. Support your local farmers. As we all know, farmers have been struggling on many levels for quite some time. Their long, laborious and exhausting work hours are certainly to be commended. Attending a farmers market is a great way to show your support for the very important work that they do for all of us.
2. Farm fresh food. Freshly harvested produce commonly exceeds the quality that is offered in a grocery store. Whether you prefer organic or conventional, the produce, meat, fish and poultry in addition to dairy and eggs are generally brought in directly from the farm to the stand. This is very different when compared to a typical grocery store where items such as eggs, may take up to 8 weeks from the time they are laid until arrival on the store shelf.
3. Encourages experimentation for trying new foods that are in season. The staff working in the food booths is an invaluable resource of information. If you want ideas on how to cook an unfamiliar food item, or to just think outside of the box, they are the “go to” people who can provide support for your culinary imagination.
4. Socialization and networking. Whether you are a home cook or a professional chef, farmers markets are a great way to establish community relationships, especially with the people who grow the very food that you eat.
5. Environmentally friendly. Since food is only transported within the community, the fuel consumption and pollution emissions are minimized.
6. Competitive prices. With the enormously quick turnover of fresh foods sold, often come flexible and competitive prices compared to what is found in grocery stores.
So the next time you make your grocery list, remember to shop at your local farmers’ market. Don’t make it just another shopping trip. Instead, make it a fun and relaxing morning gathering your food, creating new recipe ideas and visiting with people in your community.
