Looking for something interesting and rewarding to do this week? How about a trip to your local farmers market?
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsack has proclaimed August 1-7, 2010 as National Farmers Market Week with a list of "whereas" statements that makes it easy to understand the growing appeal of farmers markets.
Over the past few years, farmers markets have become incredibly popular. Between 1994 and 2009, the number of U.S. farmers markets tripled, from 1,755 to 5,274, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
You don't have to be a locavore to appreciate and enjoy the benefits of a good farmers market. Along with farm-fresh locally grown food, and the chance to interact personally with the people who grow and raise the fruits, vegetables, meats and other food products that wind up on your table, farmers markets also offer a better quality of life by helping to create healthy local economies and more vibrant communities.
If you're a regular farmers market customer, keep it up. If you keep meaning to shop your local farmers market, but just never seem to get there, grab a couple of reusable shopping bags and go.
And if you need help locating a farmers market in your area, check out How to Find Your Local Farmers Markets.
Photo by Getty Images
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Comments
Just went to a local farmer’s market this past weekend. The food is all organic, local and fresh. I loved chowing on fresh fruits and vegetables. An added benefit is they have lots of enzymes which help digest the chemicals in processed foods.
Kimberly
Good idea!
Buying local not only helps the local economy but also means shorter transportation distances and saving fuel. “Organic” may or may not really be more healthy for your body, but certainly is more healthy for your mind. It somehow gives you a sense of satisfaction to eat naturally.
Most importantly, it puts “city folks” in touch with their rural cousins who produce our food. Too many people are now out of touch with their food source and have no idea how hard it is to produce the food for over 300 million Americans by the 2% of us who do it.
Consider taking your kids to farrms that offer agri-tourism programs: hay ride tours, corn mazes, petting zoos, etc. Great fun, cheap and educational.