5 Reasons to Shop the Farmer’s Market

A visit to the farmer’s market is truly a weekend treat. From Seattle’s Pike Street Market to San Francisco’s Ferry Plaza and later the ports of Anchorage, Alaska and Civitavecchia Italy, my senses have been tantalized with the taste of local food and culture. 

Now a Saturday just isn’t complete without a visit to the Dr. Phillips, Winter Park, or Lake Eola markets near my current home in Orlando, Florida.    

If you are a regular visitor to the area market you already enjoy the benefits of shopping locally.  If you are new to the experience or just need a bit of encouragement, here are 5 reasons to shop your Farmer’s Market:

1. Locally Grown – When food and goods are produced locally they travel a shorter distance to market reducing carbon emissions and the impact on the environment.
2. Green Commitment – Most vendors are committed to eco-friendly goods.  From green cleaning products to organic produce, you can feel good about living green and supporting area businesses dedicated to nurturing the planet.
3. Fresh and Flavorful – Nothing can compare to the flavor of produce harvested ripe and delivered straight to the market.  My personal favorites are vine-ripened tomatoes grown hydroponically by our friends at Rest Haven farms.  A store bought tomato, like most grocery produce is generally picked green and allowed to ripen during shipping.  Many growers pick their produce the day before (or even the morning of) going to market.
4. Saves Money – Buying in season straight from the producer saves money.  For instance, lemons and limes sold 5 for $1 last Saturday rather than the 89 cents each charged at the store.  That was a savings of over $3 on just one item!
5. Builds Community – Not only do you meet some great people, the market encourgages community through economic and social support.  Many neighborhoods have been rebuilt through the establishment of a thriving local market. 

So take the Farmer’s Market Challenge and see just how much of your weekly grocery shopping can be completed at the area market.  Not only does it make this household chore enjoyable, it will reawaken tired taste buds at a savings to both the pocket book and the environment.

Start living green one day at a time.

Tracy Z