Farmers Markets 101

Farmers markets are one of the best parts of warmer weather and a fun way to learn about your food and where it comes from. If you are not accustomed to purchasing your food at a farmers market, it can be stressful and confusing to know what to buy and why. Continue reading below to learn about 5 reasons to buy your fruits and veggies at your local farmers market!

You are supporting local farmers.

Buying from a local farmer allows you to support local agriculture, which means that the food you are eating comes from nearby. Local produce does not require a lot of pollution, extra packaging, and energy waste used to ship food around the world. Food in the U.S. travels an average of 1,500 miles to get to your plate. Food at the farmer’s market is usually travels from shorter distances and is grown using methods that minimize the impact on the earth.

You are eating seasonally.

By shopping at a farmers market, you will eat seasonal, fresh, and ripe products. Because it was grown locally, there is a good change that the peach you buy was picked just a few days ago. When you shop at a grocery store, you do not always know where the product is coming from or when it was picked/shipped/delivered.

You may be eating safer foods.

Many outbreaks of food-borne illnesses can happen due to large industrial settings, where people work to mass produce food, preserve it, and bag it in large amounts. Food from your local farmers market is generally safer. Since many local farmers do not work in mass production, the contamination risk can be lower.

You are nourishing yourself.

Much of the food in grocery stores is highly processed and grown using pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and genetic modification. These practices may have negative effects on human health. Most of the food found at the farmer’s market is minimally processed, picked right before the market, and produced using sustainable techniques

Most importantly- farmers markets are healthy and fun!

Going to the farmer’s market doesn’t have to be another chore on your “to-do” list. Shopping at the farmer’s market is a fun event for the whole family. It is a great way to get involved in your location community, feel connected to the world, and increase healthy for your mind and body. There’s just no way around it- eating fresh, local products are great for your health!

Post written by FFC Gold Coast Registered Dietitian Chelsea Rice.

About Chelsea

Chelsea is a registered dietitian for FFC Gold Coast and Old Town and is passionate about making healthy living sustainable, practical and fun. When she is not in the club, you can find her at the dog park with her puppy, Maple! Want to schedule an appointment with Chelsea? Email her at crice@ffc.com!