Farmers markets are an important part of any community. They not only provide people with fresh, local food, but also allow farmers and local growers to sell to consumers directly, boosting their profits and delivering a simple, more sustainable approach with locally grown food.
To celebrate National Farmers Market Week, we’re shining a spotlight on all the goodness that these local markets bring to us as individuals and communities alike. Shopping at your community market helps support farmers, is good for the local economy, and gives people access to high-quality, fresh foods. Seasonal markets also feature produce at its absolute peak in terms of both nutrition and flavor.
Why Should I Go to the Farmers Market?
Through your farmers market, you can support your community while also having access to delicious and nutritious produce grown in your area. Here are a few reasons why you should consider becoming a regular at the local market.
Boost social well-being and engagement
By visiting the farmers market, you have a great opportunity to build ties with your community and forge relationships with food suppliers, as well as the people who live in your area. It’s also a great activity for kids — getting children involved may increase their willingness to try new foods, improve eating habits and grow their curiosity about where their food comes from.
Many farmers markets also act as social hubs for members of the community to connect over a shared love of fresh, local food. In addition to a variety of vendors, markets may also host community events, workshops or live music, giving visitors a greater sense of what’s going on in their area. Research shows that neighboring businesses also benefit from increased sales thanks to foot traffic from the market.
Produce found in grocery stores often travels great distances to get from where it’s grown to your plate. By shopping locally, the food you buy has traveled fewer miles, has less packaging and, depending on the farm, may be grown using more sustainable practices. Buying from farmers markets also supports local agriculture and biodiversity, helping to protect those areas from development and maintain local ecosystems.
Support farmers and local growers
Buying directly from farmers provides essential support to small-scale producers and allows them to sell their produce without intermediaries. 95 percent of farms in the United States are family owned and operated. By purchasing directly from them, you’re contributing to your region’s economic health while also helping to preserve local farming traditions. With community support, local growers can continue providing high-quality produce and cultivate a more sustainable food supply chain.
Guckenheimer Director of Culinary Development and expert chef, Rick Green, has a few tips to help you get the most out of your farmers market visit.
Look online for markets in your community
Almost every market has an organization that helps manage it. These organizations provide lists of local markets, where they’re located and when they’re active. Farmers markets are available year-round, and winter is arguably the most important time to support them due to fewer attendees.
Farmers and local growers are passionate about their produce and eager to talk about why and how they grow. Ask them about their upcoming crops and build relationships to learn more about what to expect at future markets, they’ll appreciate your interest and support.
Early birds get access to the best items before they sell out. However, if you’re looking to save some money, the last 15 to 30 minutes before closing is a great time to get a deal on your produce — most farmers would rather load an empty truck.
A Fresh Approach to Produce
Farmers markets are more than places to buy fruits and vegetables. They act as hubs to celebrate local culture and build ties to the community. The simplicity of buying fresh foods directly from farmers allows people to support small businesses, try new things, meet their neighbors and eat the most delicious produce available.
Happy National Farmers Market Week!
