Farmer's Markets

The benefits of buying locally grown produce. By Patty Hutchens.

With spring right around the corner, many are full of anticipation awaiting the opening of the local Farmers’ Markets. There are many reasons people choose to purchase their food from these local vendors – freshness, nutrition, and the desire to support friends and neighbors. But there are many reasons beyond these that are good reasons to purchase produce and more from your local Farmers’ Market vendors.

Taste and nutrition. Some reports state that the average distance that some food travels from the farm to your kitchen is 1500 miles. This means that the fresh taste can also deteriorate. During this travel time, which can take up to a week in some cases, sugars can turn to starches, plant cells shrink and the produce loses some of its nutritional value as well. Because locally grown food does not have to travel far, it reduces carbon dioxide emissions as well as packing materials.

Supporting your local farmers. Statistics show that less than one million Americans state farming as their main source of income. It is becoming more and more difficult for farmers to make a living off the land. In short, farmers are a vanishing breed. But local farmers who sell their product directly to consumers are able to get the full price without the cost of a middleman, thereby maximizing their dollar for their product. By supporting your local farmers, you are not only getting fresh food, but also helping contribute to the livelihood of the local farming industry. That, in turn, also benefits the community as a whole.

Buying local keeps your dollars circulating in the community. Getting to know the farmers who grow your food builds relationships based on understanding and trust, which is one of the foundations of strong communities.

Preserving our land. The more that we can support our local farmers, the better the likelihood that we too will be preserving the beautiful open spaces in our communities. By purchasing locally grown food, you are doing much to preserve the future of the agricultural landscape.

Protecting your family’s health. By having firsthand knowledge of where your fresh food comes from, including how it is raised or grown, you are able to purchase food that you know is safe from chemicals, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics and is not genetically modified. Local farmers can offer produce varieties bred for taste and freshness rather than for shipping and long shelf life.

Visit your local Farmers’ Market this spring! The benefits extend far beyond the tastiness of fresh food!

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