There is something about Spring that get us very excited: the warmer weather, the trees and flowers blooming, birds singing and the start of our local Farmers' Markets. Going to the Farmer's Market has become my Saturday morning ritual and I relish the crisp morning air, seeing the beautiful displays of produce and flowers, knowing the farmers behind the tables work tirelessly and lovingly to bring their wares to market, talking with the local farmers and feeling like part of my community.
There are so many benefits of patronizing our local farmers and the markets that bring them to us. Farmer's Markets bring local produce from small family farms to our tables. These famers's are part of our local community and a dying breed of farmer. As our food system supply has shifted dramatically to industrial agriculture, we lose more and more small family farms every year as they often can not compete with industrial agriculture in the traditional supply system. Farmer's Markets, Local Co-op Grocery Stores and direct to consumer CSA's (Community Supported Agriculture) are great outlets to continue supporting small family farms.
Buying locally at Farmer's Markets supports our community. Aside from feeling a wonderful sense of community from the lively, fun environment and great people watching it keeps our dollars in our local economy. For every small family farm it is estimated that 3 additional jobs are kept in our local economy. And we can all support that!
Fresh, in season, local produce tastes better!! I remember vividly a few years ago when I brought home tomatoes from the market and my husband said "I don't like tomatoes". My response was that he had only ever eaten bland, out of season, trucked for miles, gas ripened tomatoes from the grocery store - not local, sun ripened and picked this morning tomatoes. He gave in to my begging him to try them and of course, he was astonished and thrilled at the sweetness and bursting flavor. So try them! Strawberries, peaches, tomatoes - you name it, it tastes better fresh from the farm. Ask your farmer even when it was picked. They are proud of their work and would love you to ask.
And even more importantly, bring your children to the farmer's market! Show them where food really comes from. Food was not meant to be golden brown but the vibrant colors of the rainbow. Have them talk with the farmer: What is it? How do we cook it? When was it picked? How was it grown? And sample some!! Most farmer's have samples for you to try or if you ask will let you try a bite before buying. Many farmer's markets offer special programs each week to engage kids in learning about various aspects of farming, gardening and food.
If you are not already aware of where your local farmer's market is, check out the Local Harvest website and search by city, state or zipcode to find the nearest one to you. And once you find one, we encourage you to incorporate one dish a week for your family made entirely of local food. Once you master that, try one meal a week. Then invite friends to join you at the market - it's a great way to spend a morning with friends. And even if you don't invite someone, you will likely make new friends anyway as it seems people at the Farmer's Market are always incredibly friendly.
Be Green, Be The Change.
Comments
Post has no comments.