For many places around the country, summer farmers markets are open and bursting with fresh produce and other products sourced from your local farms.
Just about every week I shop my local markets looking for the majority of my weekly groceries, and sometimes large quantities of certain products for preserving and canning. Not only will you find fresh, seasonal produce, but many farmers markets also offer fresh meat and seafood. Each week I am amazed by the new products I find there: from bakery to farm-raised elk meat. I am fortunate that I can get just about anything I need!
While there are some obvious benefits to shopping at your local farmers market, other benefits might be surprising to you. What’s really great is that the prices are either similar or cheaper for conventional and organic produce at farmers markets than at your regularly visited supermarkets.
Fresh Food Eating
If you buy from a grocery store, more often than not, the produce is shipped from long distances and is already a few days to a week old. However, when you get produce from the farmer’s market, its freshness and shelf-life lasts much longer than typical store bought produce. The pasture raised meats and eggs are also freshly harvested or fresh-frozen packed. The freshness provides a great sources of nutrient dense meats and fats which effectively fuels the body with necessary vitamins and minerals.
Seasonal Eating
I love the seasonal variety when shopping at the market throughout the year. When you align your diet with what’s available locally and in-season, you can enjoy a more diverse and nutritious diet. Seasonal eating also encourages you to explore new fruits and vegetables, expanding your palate and providing a wider range of nutrients. This not only helps us to eat a variety of foods but also avoid the boredom and monotony that can happen from eating the same foods all the time.
Promotes Mindfulness
Spending time choosing fresh, local ingredients and preparing meals from scratch promotes mindful eating habits and creates the opportunity for us to use our senses. A connection is made when you can see, smell, touch, and sometimes taste the food you are buying. This can lead to healthier food choices, improve digestion, and creates a greater appreciation for the flavors and textures in your meals. Fruits and vegetables from local farms are often picked at the peak of ripeness ensuring that you get maximum flavor and nutritional benefits. This means more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for your body.
Supports Your Community and Fosters Connections
Food brings us all together, and shopping at markets can provide a unique opportunity for social interaction and community engagement. Farmers market vendors love to educate their shoppers. They love to answer questions and discuss farming practices with their customers. Some will even talk about nutrition content and show you how to prepare the foods or provide samples.
Chatting with local farmers, artisans, and other shoppers fosters a sense of belonging and connection to your community. By supporting the people that grow and harvest your food you develop a deeper appreciation for the hard work that goes into farming and creating locally sourced foods. Social interactions like these can help reduce feelings or loneliness and isolation, benefiting mental well-being.
Promotes Sustainability
It is common for farmers selling at farmers markets to use practices consistent with organic standards and/or regenerative farming methods. In addition, it reduces fuel consumptions, greenhouses gasses and overall shipping and handling costs that may be passed on to the consumer.
Supporting local farmers by consistently attending farmers markets can further increase availability and access to fresh and nutritious foods for everybody. Programs like SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can provide all households with the opportunity to shop at farmers markets!
Unsure of where to find your local market?
If you live in the state of Oregon, the OMFA Oregon Farmers Markets Association has a wonderful website to help you find a local market near you If you live elsewhere, check your local area farmers market listing.
No time to visit your local farmers market?
Join your local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA ) program instead. When you join a CSA, you ae buying a subscription to whatever products they grow that season or seasons. Depending on the farm, you may have the option to purchase a share that includes meats, dairy, eggs, cheeses, baked goods, and even sometimes flowers. Members receive a box of produce/products on a designated regular schedule that is agreed on within your membership. Some CSA shares are delivered directly to your home and others must be picked up on a set date from a designated location.
If you live in the Pacific Northwest region click here to find a CSA share that fits your needs and budget.
Websites like Local Harvest connect people to local farms shares that are a part of CSA nationwide. Just search your state or city to get connected with your local CSA farmer.