There are so many reasons to shop at the farmers market, but just a little above 10% of the American population actually does it. Food at the farmers market contributes more for good health, than any Supermarket or discounted food store. The farmers market is food grown where you live, and the produce is at it's freshest and tastes the best because they have fruits and vegetable that are picked at the peak of the growing season.
Saves Money
With overhead expenses for rent, insurance, utilities and shipping, buying organic produce from the grocery store can be pricey. But at the farmers market the produce is just a fraction of the cost. Farmers can often charge much lower prices for their produce since they don't have any overhead. Passing the savings on to you. You also save money because the food lasts longer. Market produce is usually harvested that morning, within 100 miles of the market, whereas the supermarket produce traveled approx. 1500 miles (3 days) before getting to the supermarket, losing precious nutrients.
Variety
The farmers market offers a wide range of fruits and vegetables, unlike industrial farms that grow only a few varieties of the most popular vegetables that are trending at the time. You'll find food varieties native to your area that you just can't get at the supermarket.
Supports Local Family Farms
When you shop at the farmers market, you're helping support local growers and their families. Family farms need your support, in the U.S., agri-business dominates food production. So purchasing from the local farmers market not only provides income for the family farm, but much needed capital to stay in business to keep providing an alternative to mass produced food.
Learn cooking tips
Meeting and talking to farmers is the best way to reconnect with where your food comes from. How often do you get to speak face to face with the person that grew your food? So take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions about how the food was produced, and what their growing practices are. You'll also receive tips on how to cook the ingredients you buy at the market, and instructions on how to cook the new items you want to try.
Gets you Outside
Nothing like getting out into the fresh air and being one with nature on a bright sunny day meeting members of the community. Bring the kids, make it a learning experience. There are activities to enjoy at some markets and orchards such as: berry picking, apple picking and peach picking. So make the most of your free time and enjoy the short warm season at your local farmers market.
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