I Heart the Farmers Market

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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

KERI RUSSELL: If you've never gone to a farmers market, now is the time to start. Buying food from local farmers is better for the environment, better for local economies, better for your bank account and the food simply tastes better. Really, fresh produce is so flavorful it's like an entirely different food than the produce you buy in a grocery store. And, it smells better and I think it is even more beautiful to look at. There's just something marvelous about fresh food and I can't say enough good things about it.

And, farmers markets are fun. I've been taking my son River since he was a baby and it's become one of our favorite family outings. He loves seeing all the different types of food and helping pick out which ones we should buy. I think it's made him more eager to try new foods (and eat his veggies) than a typical toddler. So, on top of all the other benefits, the farmers market also helps us eat healthier.

You can find a farmers market near you by visiting either the USDA's website or Local Harvest. I like to try to get there early in the morning to get first pick, but I've heard that if you go at the end of the day you can get better deals since the farmers would rather sell their food instead of hauling it back home.

Here are some other tips that I've learned over the years:

1. Ask questions. I like to know when things were picked (the fresher the better), how animals are raised, if pesticides were used, and how to cook foods I've never tried before. I've also found that generally farmers love to talk about their work and their product. It makes the experience that much more educational and enjoyable.

2. Take your time. If you can, walk the entire market to see what's available and compare prices and products. River and I love to explore the market and really soak in the sights and sounds.

3. Bring reusable bags. I have a few small ones for things like cherry tomatoes that need to stay separated from the rest of the food and then one big bag that everything goes in.

4. Look for farmers, not just vendors. I think the farmers market is about supporting local farmers and getting fresh food, but sometimes there are "fakes" mixed in. These are people that have food shipped in from who knows where and then set up shop to sell it. Again, ask questions to find out exactly where the food comes from.

One final idea for parents: bring some natural wipes and hand sanitizer so you can safely enjoy samples. Enjoy!

The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and not necessarily those of Healthy Child Healthy World.

Posted by Janet on 03/31/2010 at 12:32 PM

My family and I started shopping regularly at our local Farmer’s Market last year. It soon became a Saturday morning tradition. We are anxiously counting down the days until it opens this year. Twenty-four more days to go!

Posted by Patrice on 08/10/2009 at 10:22 PM

Shopping at farmers markets inspires me to cook and cook more healthy meals. I get excited about making a salad or fresh pesto when I come home.
Thanks,
Patrice
www.momsbestbets.blogspot.com

Posted by Kairol on 08/10/2009 at 08:02 AM

I am a young adult cancer patient and try to eat local and organic when affordable. I live in Chicago, and although eating green is the new buzz, you really have to be scrutinizing at farmer’s markets. When I ask vendors questions about their produce or meat, I realize that I know more about organic growing practices than they do.

I have finally found a great local organic farmer. Amid a sea of tables (for the Waldorf School, natural donuts, soap, salsa, crochet hats) she is the only produce vendor at the entire farmer’s market. I have become a dedicated shopper at her stand and adore the freshness of her veggies.

Thanks for the good post,

Kairol

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