Farmer's market

Meet me at the farmers market.

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.

The Food Chain Reaction from a Farmers Market infographic from the USDA

Some other reasons to meet your buddies at the market include:

  1. Freshly picked produce at its peak flavor and nutritional quality.
  2. Farmers markets offer a variety of foods that align with a healthy eating pattern.
  3. It teaches us about where our food comes from!
  4. Producers love to share recipes and preparation and storage methods for their products.
  5. 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/

Fall Into Wellness

autumn road

Fall is here!  The mornings are cooler and there is a hint of color on the trees.  Fall is a perfect time to enjoy the beauty of the season.  Cool morning air, beautiful colors  and even some pumpkin spice. It’s time to pause, reflect and recharge.  With the holiday season around the corner, it’s the season to slow down and assess your health and wellness.

Change is challenging, not only for the trees but for people too.  Ask a friend or colleague to join you in your journey to wellness.  Here are some tips for a healthier fall:

  • Boost your immunity– as colder weather arrives, it’s important to boost your immune system with foods containing Vitamin C (oranges, limes, grapefruit, peppers) to help fight off infections. Almonds, garlic, ginger, and spinach also aids immunity health. Wash your hands often and drink lots of water.
  • Have dinner with your family.  It’s a perfect time to reconnect with your family. Families that eat together tend to consume healthier meals and strengthen family relationships.
  • Visit a local farmers market. Add in-season  fruits and vegetables into your meals. Apples, turnips, brussels sprouts, and squash are great in-season options to add to your meals for nutrient dense benefits.
  • Watch those tailgate party calories.  Enjoy,  yet consider filling up on vegetables and modify foods to healthier options.
  • As cooler weather arrives, it’s a perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the season. Take a walk-in nature for increased physical activity.
  • Sterilize your most touched items.  Your cell phone, keyboard, remote, and tablet are exposed to bacteria. Wipe down these surfaces frequently with a sanitizing wipe. 
  • Get enough vitamin D — This essential vitamin helps the body absorb calcium. We get most of our Vitamin D from the sun, so our intake decreases when the weather is colder since we spend most of our time inside during the fall/winter seasons. If you find you are not getting outside much, good sources of  Vitamin D include  salmon, tuna, and mushrooms.  Fortified foods that contain Vitamin D are cow’s milk, orange juice cereal and oatmeal. Vitamin D  can boost your mood and immune system!
  • Prepare your home for possible extreme weather conditions.  Is your snow shovel accessible?  Is your furnace and snow blower serviced and set to go.  Check the batteries in your flashlights and smoke detectors. 

With so many fun activities to do in the fall — apple picking, corn mazes, fall festivals, tail gating, football —  you’ll want to stay healthy to enjoy it all!

Have a happy and healthy fall!

Written by: Beth Stefura, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Mahoning County, stefura.2@osu.edu

Reviewed by: Shari Gallup, Assistant Professor, Ohio State University Extension, Licking County, gallup.1@osu.edu

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/infographic/healthy-fall.htm

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/tips_for_staying_healthy_in_the_fall

https://www.webmd.com/women/features/8-fall-steps-for-healthy-living