One of the best ways to support local farmers is to purchase their products at the farmer’s market where they are grown. Not only do you get fresh produce, but you also gain knowledge about these items.
1) Food tastes better when it is in season
Seasonal foods are readily available when eating locally because they are being produced nearby. When food is in the season it tastes better, is more abundant, and can be picked when ripe.
2) Greater nutritional value
Fruits and vegetables that are out of season have a greater chance of being harvested before they ripen, which leads to a decrease in nutrients. This is not an issue with locally grown produce because they are fresh from the farm.
3) It is fresher
Food that travels thousands of miles before it reaches your mouth has lost some of its nutritional value and flavor, which you will notice with out-of-season produce.
4) Supports local community
More money stays in local communities when buying from local farmers because they are not required to pay for transportation and other distribution costs.
5) There is a greater variety
Produce from your local farmer’s market will change based on what is in season. This means that instead of buying apples all year round, you can try different fruits as they come available, for example, peaches or pears.
6) There are more options for organics
If you don’t want to eat GMO produce, you can find organic options at the farmer’s market. Organic items are becoming a common sight at your local farmer’s markets as demand increases.
7) Supports small business
Approximately 88% of food consumed in U.S. communities comes from large-scale farming operations that generate billions of dollars in sales.
8) More interesting
The products at your local farmer’s market are more likely to be of unique shapes, sizes, and colors than the food found in supermarkets. This allows you to try new foods that you might not have known about or had access to before.
9) Presents an opportunity to learn more about where your food comes from
Talking to the farmers who grew your food can be a way to learn more about what you’re eating and how it was produced.
10) It is an activity worth participating in!
Farmer’s markets make for a fun experience; we encourage you to try one today and enjoy fresh, locally grown produce.