August 2-8 is designated as National Farmers Market Week. Why choose a Farmers Market for your produce versus your local grocery store? The reasons may surprise you.
Find Inspiration
Find the freshest vegetables and fruits of the season all laid out before your eyes. Farmers markets present all of the freshest produce of the season and chances are, new fruits and veggies that you may not have even heard of before. Get inspired to try new flavors and recipes.
Improve Your Diet
Studies prove that eating a diet largely consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes helps to keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check. Bring the kids too to help inspire healthy eating habits early on.
Cook for Health
When you shop at a farmers market, you want to cook the fresh foods that you purchased. By cooking your own food, you take control of exactly what you eat, how much salt you use, the portion sizes and the choices of side dishes. These decisions directly impact your health and gives you a chance to experiment with your cooking to increase the foods you enjoy.
Support Your Community
By supporting your local farmers markets, you are helping an entire community to thrive. A farmers market is the ultimate small business enterprise with many families working together in the local community to offer a great product that can be used by many. You may even be able to sell your own small business products as an artisan if you create soap, candles, jewelry, pottery or other artistic pieces.
Find Farmers Markets Near You
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) keeps an updated directory on Farmers Markets searchable by zip code. https://www.ams.usda.gov/local-food-directories/farmersmarkets
Source: eatingwell.com