Visit a Farmer’s Market this Summer!
If you like taking kid-friendly outings, love the fresh air, and adore fresh and local foods, then the Farmer’s Market is a perfect destination this summer. There are many great reasons to visit a Farmer’s Market and here are just a few.
8 Great Reasons to Visit a Farmer’s Market this Summer!
- Tasting wonderful flavors fresh from the farm
- Supporting family farmers who work hard day-after-day to grow nutritious fruits, vegetables, and more
- Protecting the environment by buying food that was grown nearby and was packaged & traveled less
- Nourishing your family with minimally processed foods picked ripe
- Discovering varieties that you cannot find at the grocery store – like heirloom tomatoes, figs, or watermelon radishes
- Knowing where your food comes from by striking up a conversation with a farmer who grew it
- Learning cooking tips and recipes from farmers who are passionate about their product(s) and how to prepare it
- Connecting with your community, meeting friends, and getting a ‘taste’ of the country
What You’ll Find at the Farmer’s Market this Summer!
Don’t be fooled into thinking that Farmer’s Markets are only about fruits, vegetables, and fresh herbs – which, by the way, are spectacular. You might be surprised to find a whole lot more. Some farmers sell grass-fed beef, lamb, and/or chicken. Others sell chicken or quail eggs, or local honey. The Farmer’s Market in your town may be a place to buy local strawberry or peach jam, pickled local beets, or homemade bread. Also, it’s not uncommon to find handmade crafts and clothing, too. If you’re a gardener, then a visit to the Farmer’s Market may be your best place to buy locally-raised plants, shrubs, or cut sunflowers. The fun goes on and on.
Kids and Families Enjoy the Farmer’s Market this Summer!
Kids can have a great experience at the Farmer’s Market when they pick out a pint of blueberries to take home and make into blueberry pancakes. Or, coax them into picking out a colorful vegetable and then cook it for dinner. As summer rolls along, kids and adults can team up to buy delicious local foods for the backyard grill, the neighborhood pool potluck, or a picnic in the park.
Resources about the Farmer’s Market & More!
Local Harvest is a website where you can find out about the family farms and Farmer’s Markets in your town. Look at the top of the homepage for a way to search for something near you!
Market Basket Nutrition’s Facebook Page, Free Weeknight Menus, and EStore of Meal Planning and Recipe Books will get you involved with new ideas for promoting and practicing good nutrition each and every day. I’ll see you there!