Why Shop at a Local Farmers Market?

Growing up, I always thought food came from the supermarket.  I never was around farms much but my Mom often grew a lot of our own vegetables.  Of course, in New England, those vegetables only last so long and in the 1980s, urban farming wasn't a huge trend.  

So why shop at a farmers market?  

1) No one in their right mind is skipping out their door to go grocery shopping.  Let's face it, the grocery stores are not places we like to hang out at or something we look forward to doing.  Like any other chore or task, we do it because we have to.

At a farmers market, you can come and have an experience, with a family, with a significant other, with friends.  It's a place to mingle and socialize while you browse and do shopping!  Talk to farmers about how to cook a vegetable or listen to some live local music.

2) Shopping local is good for everyone.  It builds a strong economy where you live and you support families in your community.  Isn't it great to have friends or family over and they ask you where you bought something?  You can proudly say, "a woman in town made it!"

3) You can learn something.  A lot of vendors and farmers I've met have introduced me to new foods, new products and new ways to use things.  Don't be afraid to ask what you do with a Winter squash.  Often times they will tell you and may even write out a recipe for your to try!  


4) Food travels less and no middle - men involved.  Ever wonder why certain foods cost so much?  Well, when they get shipped in from across the globe the fuel to get them there is embedded in their pricing plus each person/company who handles the food must get compesated as well.  If the food goes from the farm to you home directly, there is little to no mark up or food cost.  It amazes me that I can buy potatoes at the grocery store for $5.00 from Idaho, but I can buy the same ones from New England for only $2.00.

Another benefit, if the food travels less, it will stay better longer!  Food has to be picked earlier or may only last a few days at your house when you buy it from the grocery store.  However, if it is picked at the right time and gets to you immediately, you can keep it for longer!

5) It is a place of culture.  You may find out how to make dishes that are native to your region, hear local music, learn a craft, meet some one from a local community organization you never heard of or get involved in a charity effort within your community.  Farmers Markets grow communities and culture!

6)  It's green!  Most farmers markets make and effort to be green by recycling packaging, reusing bags, and upcycling items to better use them.  Be green!  

Here are more reasons in these two posts on why to shop at your local farmers market:
6 Ways to Eat Paleo and Go Green from Grass Fed Girl

Take Part.com Think Organic is Too Expensive? Try your Local Farmers Market!

Why do you shop at your local farmers market??

(Photos from the Canal District Farmers Market in Worcester, MA) 

*Kate