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Mary’s life was very busy. Not only did she have to work full time, she was also a single mom with two young boys. However, despite her busy schedule, Mary always made a concerted effort to make healthy choices for her family, such as buying organic food at the grocery store and cooking healthy meals for her kids. But, when the farmers market opened a few blocks from her house, she wasn’t interested in going. The idea of making another trip to buy produce was an extra burden that she didn’t want to fit into her busy schedule. Besides, she already bought organic, so was it really worth the extra effort?
Is the farmers market worth the extra effort?
If you want the freshest, tastiest produce, bursting with nutrients (and usually cheaper), then the farmers market is where you want to shop. Here are a few reasons why you should buy your produce at the farmers market.
- Rich in nutrients: At the farmers market, vendors pick their produce the day before they are going to sell it. That’s when it is at its peak of ripeness and most rich in nutrients and vitamins. Grocery stores, on the other hand, have to pick their fruits and vegetables earlier, to ensure that it doesn’t spoil before it arrives at its destination or soon after. Even though it may look appealing, it will not be as rich in nutrients as produce picked at its peak.
- Affordable organic prices: If you are on a tight budget and want to eat organic, then the farmers market is the place for you. Most of the time, you can find cheaper organic produce because there are less overhead costs.
- Grown locally: Buying produce at the farmers market not only supports your community, but it is also beneficial to everyones health and the environment. When you don’t have to ship produce long distances, it reduces vehicle pollution and fossil fuel use.
- Healthier: Farmers markets give you access to local, seasonal vegetables at affordable prices. This inspires people to create fun, new, healthy recipes with the seasonal produce. Purchasing organic produce there encourages vendors to produce organic and pesticide free fruits and vegetables. That in turn reduces the amount of pollution put into your air and water.
The bottom line:
The farmers market is a great place where you can find tasty, local, seasonal produce. And when you are there, you may also come across vendors selling fresh baked goods, fresh cut flowers, art and crafts and food vendors, adding to the fun. So, the next time the farmers market is in your town, stop by and experience it for yourself. It is worth your effort for the taste alone!
