7 Best Reasons To Take Your Family to Your Local Farmers Market
Education7 Best Reasons To Take Your Family to Your Local Farmers Market
Whether you wish to buy local, are looking for a cheap buy on organic food, or just want a pleasant way to spend a sunny morning, your local farmers' market is the place to be.
Local Baked Goods
Bakery items like bread, cookies and cupcakes beckon as you wander the aisles. Organic cheese and butter from area farms vie for your attention as you peruse the locally made salsas and sauces in Mason jars.
Non-Genetically Modified (GMO) and Organic Products
Many reasonably priced organic products are available, including non-genetically modified popcorn, organic snacks, and often unusual varieties of locally-grown produce. Local honey, a staple at most farmers' markets, is often quite cheap. Tom Ogren, author of Allergy-free Gardening, cites locally-produced honey as an immune system booster and a weapon in the fight against allergies.
Fresh Produce
Farmers' markets enable you to eat foods while they're in season. When it comes to nutrients, the fresher the better. But according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, produce picked at its prime also tastes best. And since it's most abundant when in season, you'll find a wider selection.
Local Food is Better
However, don't bypass farmers' tables for lack of "organic produce" signs. Michael Pollan, author of The Botany of Desire: A Plant's Eye View of the World and The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals, gives this advice: "Given the choice, buy local over organic. Often local food is organic, but farmers may not have the capital to deal with all the paperwork involved." At a discussion following a showing of the documentary "Fresh" at a Peoria, Illinois theater, local farmers lamented the cumbersome process of becoming certified organic. One man claimed that the process takes an astonishing seven years in his state.
Support Your Local Farmers
Farmers, especially those who refuse to run factory-style operations, often struggle financially. Farmers' markets allow them to cut out the middle man and sell directly to the consumer. Farmers' markets also allow consumers to ask farmers questions about their growing methods, as well as the nutritional properties and culinary uses of their wares.
Fun for the Whole Family
Not only are farmers' markets great sources of nutritious, healthy food; they're also a lot of fun. The atmosphere at a bustling farmers' market is cheerful and friendly, and attendees often bring their kids and well-behaved dogs. Local musicians often play for donations while selling their CDs, and you can pick up unique scarves, purses, hats, and other items from budding fashion designers. Who knows - you might buy an early piece from a future Marc Jacobs or Cynthia Rowley!
Healthy Parenting
And while you buy non-carcinogenic soy candles or ask a vendor about his or her farming techniques, you can also teach your children a lesson. Kids will associate healthy living and supporting local businesses with the fun of being at a farmers' market, and learn that shopping doesn't have to take place in a mega-store filled with unhealthy choices.
SOURCES:
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/FarmersMarkets/
http://www.michaelpollan.com/press.php?id=57