Why you Should Bother to Visit your Local Farmer’s Market

I know the word bother seems so negative, but that is what some people say about vistiting their local farmer’s market. I mean, I know they aren’t always on your usual path and who wants to go the grocery store(s) to search out the best deals and also make a special trip out for the farmer’s market? Well, I am going to share a few of my reasons for making it a priority to visit the farmer’s market.

• On average, our food travels well over 1000 miles before it gets to our plates. Seriously! Think about that: the weather, the truck(s), the hands that our food endures.
• Buying directly from the person who grew/created the product! There is something pretty cool about looking in the eye of person who grew the vegetables or raised the meat that your are purchasing.
• The taste!! There is simply NO comparison. If you haven’t experienced vegetables from a local farmer, you truly have no idea what you are missing. I challenge you to buy just one tomato from a local farmer and one from the store and compare…..well, there is none!
• Putting money directly in the pocket of the producer of your purchase. Have you ever thought about this at the grocery store? The number of people who get a “share” of the money you are spending. I like the feeling of knowing that I am handing the farmer my money and supporting their business, a local business!
• Let’s not forget the social piece. It is a fun way to see familiar faces and chat or just say hi!

Okay, so whether you already frequent your local farmer’s market or have never been try this challenge(something I love to do): Go to the farmer’s market and buy what goodies are there(obviously in season) and THEN go home and create a meal according to what you were able to buy. This way you are creating a healthy, local, and most of the time, organic meal for your family that probably traveled less than 100 miles from the farmer to your table. Okay, now check the newspaper and scope out where and when to find your farmer’s market and go shop!! And, of course, bring your reusable bags with you!!