- Support Your Local Agriculture
When you buy from your local farmers market it allows you to support your local agriculture. The food comes from nearby and has been harvested at the perfect time to allow preservation of key nutrients. Produce at farmers markets have generally been harvested only a few hours before coming to market vs. spending several hours (and quite possibly a few days) on trucks being transported from farm to the grocery store.
- Cheaper Organic Fruits And Veggies
You will be able to find a wide variety of fresh, organic produce at a more affordable price when compared to supermarkets. Foods can still be herbicide and pesticide free and not be labeled true “organic”. The advantage of buying locally is you can talk directly to the farmer and learn about their methods of growing produce. In some cases farmers will even allow you to come visit their farm.
- Supporting Your Local Economy and Farmers
By shopping at your local farmers market, your money stays in your area. You are supporting your “neighbors” and not massive agribusiness. Plus you will remember the friendly faces and pleasant conversation you were able to engage in when you eat your food at home instead of having your memories being of the supermarket.
- Eat Seasonally
By eating food that is seasonal, fresh, and ripe you can increase your overall health. Supermarkets do offer a very wide variety, however the food is harvested before it has ripened which decreases the vitality of the food.
- Safer Foods
Food from your local farmers market is generally safer. You are much less likely to have to worry about E. coli outbreaks. Those things happen in large industrial settings, where food is mass produced, preserved, and bagged in mass amounts.
- More Nutritious
The colors you see in the produce section at the supermarket pale in comparison to the vivid colors at the farmers market. The vivid colors in fruits and vegetables are a reflection of the nutrients that they contain. Many local farmers cultivate very nutritious produce through their careful farming methods.
- Tastes Better
Produce from the farmers market always tastes better. The reason why is because it is picked at the peak of its ripeness and is incredibly fresh when you buy it. You will be amazed at the difference in flavor and texture when you start adding farmer’s market produce to your cooking.
- It’s Healthy
It’s simple: eating fresh, locally-grown fruits and veggies are great for your health. Did you know if you purchase local honey, which is sold at most farmers markets, it is great for those who suffer with allergies. This is because you are consuming local pollen and over time may become less sensitive to this pollen therefore making you experience a decrease in seasonal allergy symptoms.
- Better For the Environment
In addition to conserving fossil fuels by avoiding shipping produce around the country, small family farms produce less environmental waste in the form of carbon monoxide, pesticide use, and chemical fertilizers. They are also less likely to use massive processing and sorting machines that contribute to environmental decay.
- It’s Fun
Farmers markets are fun for the whole family. It is also an excellent way to meet and get to know your local community. When you feel connected to the world around you it increases health for your body, mind, and spirit. Some farmers markets even offer entertainment and classes.
