A farmers market is more than just a chance to meet your local producers. I have always enjoyed fresh produce, but I found much more than that at my local farmer markets.
When I first started attending my local markets I felt like I had found a hidden treasure: fresher and tastier ingredients to have in my household. If you’ve never attended a market or haven’t in some time, you may think the only product they have to offer is fresh produce; however, this is not the case. Many markets include producers of all kinds including fruits, vegetables, meats, baked goods, crafts, and even entertainment. It is hard to know what you may find at a local market. Beyond what is sold, the atmosphere offered at a market is incomparable to a grocery store. When I head to a market with my kids, I look forward to the community, the conversation, and the education. My kids and I never leave a market without learning something new from a local producer.
There is much more than what meets the eye when it comes to the many benefits of famers markets. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) points out the positive impact markets are having on the economy. Farmers markets keep our money local and our communities thriving. When food is produced and processed in the same area, it keeps our dollars in local businesses. Keeping your money local supports local job growth and development. According to the Farmers Market Coalition, growers selling locally create 13 full time jobs per $1 million in revenue earned. Additionally, working locally with producers cuts down costs for them. Selling locally means less shipping and storage costs.
Another great feature for markets is the acceptance of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits. Accepting these forms of payment helps to combat food insecurity and can even address “food deserts” in urban and rural communities. The USDA stated in 2012, over $16 million in SNAP redemptions were made at farmers markets.
Some other reasons to meet your buddies at the market include:
- Freshly picked produce at its peak flavor and nutritional quality.
- Farmers markets offer a variety of foods that align with a healthy eating pattern.
- It teaches us about where our food comes from!
- Producers love to share recipes and preparation and storage methods for their products.
- Ask and you shall receive! Many producers will provide free samples.
In the coming months, don’t forget to keep your eye open for roadside stands, too. In my area, we have roadside stands that utilize the honor system aka, a lock box. You pick your produce, drop your money and you are on your way. As a mom of four, I love supporting local growers, and I love avoiding a busy grocery store with self-checkout even more.
Additionally, watch for what I like to call “drive and dash” spots. There are many backyard growers who share their freshly grown produce for free. You will often see tables at the end of driveways welcoming you to take what you need. During Covid, this is how I shopped for my family on a tight budget.
Enjoy this time of year with family and friends by welcoming experiences in your communities and neighborhoods. If you are not someone who attends local markets, I challenge you to do so this summer. If you are a local grower, take a chance and sell at your local market. There are plenty of us waiting to enjoy your passions alongside you!
Writer: Holly Bandy, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension Stark County
Reviewer: Jenny Lobb, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension Franklin County
Sources:
Alonzo, A. L. (2013). Farmers Markets as Community Centerpieces. USDA. https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2013/08/05/farmers-markets-community-centerpieces
Dunker, T. (2021). 5 Reasons to Support Your Farmers Market. Nebraska Extension, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. https://food.unl.edu/article/5-reasons-support-your-farmers-market
Farmers Market Coalition (2022). Farmers Markets Stimulate Local Economies. https://farmersmarketcoalition.org/education/stimulate-local-economies-2/