Farmer’s markets are the original shop local movement. Many farmer’s markets now offer everything from crafts and artwork to artisan cheese. The stalls are a colorful explosion of nature’s goodness alongside neighbors’ home goods. These markets are the ideal way to support your community. In addition to keeping more of your dollars local, at a farmer’s market you can:
Gain Expertise
Wondering why your tomatoes don’t look as juicy or why your herbs always droop? Your local farmers can provide much needed information and recipes. Unlike the produce sellers in big grocery stores, when you buy from a farmer’s market you are often speaking with the same person who planted, cultivated, and harvested the bounty. They know how to help.
Eat Clean
Shopping at a local (small farm growers) farmer’s market means your vegetables are less likely to be genetically altered or chemically treated. While they might not have organic produce you can rest assured you are eating less processed food when you buy fresh and make your meals from scratch.
Taste as Nature Intended
When you buy from grocery stores, the produce has traveled a distance (on average 1,500 miles in the US). It was most likely harvested before it was ripe and then gassed to accelerate the ripening process when it reaches its final destination. This jet-setting produce has a very different taste from its farm-ripened counterparts. If you don’t know what that difference is, you need to go experience it.
Connect in Your Community
Farmer’s markets are more than just delicious produce, they are a family-friendly community hub of activity. The shopping experience is enjoyable and social. The vendors are appreciative of your support. You feel a connection to your area and the people there. This sort of old-fashioned social shopping experience gives a taste of small town life even in the largest of cities.
Get out there and support the shop local movement today.
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