Navigating the Farmers Markets for Fresh and Healthy Produce

Over the past few weeks, village squares and outdoor venues have become abuzz with local farmers selling the freshest of seasonal produce. Farmers' markets are not only fun but can provide your family with healthy fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers and businesses. As an added bonus, shopping at Farmers Markets is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint since the produce has not had to travel as far to market.

We have collected a few ideas of how to make the most of your visit to the Farmers' Market as well as a list of resources that provide more insights:

• Walk around the whole market: You will want to walk around the whole market before buying. This will give you an idea of what is available and at what prices.
• Bring small bills: This will make transactions easier if you are just purchasing a small quantity at each stand.
• Price: One of the joys of buying produce at the Farmers' Market is that it is in season. However, this does not mean you are always getting it at the lowest prices. In some cases, the first week a fruit or vegetable is available, its price may be a little higher as not producer will have it and it will be available in smaller quantities. If you wait a couple of weeks, the price may come down.
• Ask for seconds: If the appearance of your produce does not matter, ask for seconds. You may be able to get a discount on fruit or veggies with slight bumps or bruises.
• Bring a cooler with ice packs: Bringing along a cooler with ice packs will save you a lot of headaches if the Farmers' Market is not your last stop before going home or if you purchase something that requires refrigeration.
• Consider timing: There are two different strategies here. You will want to arrive early to have the best selection. Additionally, some items will run out quickly. However, there may be deals as the Farmers' Market is about to close.
• Ask Questions: Don't be afraid to ask questions. You may learn about new produce or new preparations. You may also want to inquire about farming practices and whether the produce is organic if it is unclear.

Buy Local, Buy Fresh, Buy Healthy!

Sources for more ideas:

6 Tips for Navigating Farmers' Markets in Real Simple

10 Tips for Navigating Your Way Through Farmers Markets in Me You Health

10 Pointers for Farmers Market Shopping in Eat Local Grown

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Community, helping your neighbor and Made in America

While watching the parades this weekend and commemorating the sacrifices of our soldiers, you
cannot help but get wrapped up in the sense of community. Being part of these celebrations serves to remind us all about what it means to be an American. In our busy, day-to-day lives, it is easy to miss these connections. When we are shopping, we often miss connections to our community. We take products more at face value and are likely to choose based on color, price, shape, performance, etc. However, we do not see the faces of the people that invented those products, created them, packaged them and brought them to market. In the case of local goods, these items are made by your very own neighbors and friends.

If you choose to shop locally more often, you are helping your very own neighbor, your community and America. By choosing an American-made product, you are:

--Investing in your community: By spending money in your community, you are helping to keep area businesses open. These businesses in turn patronize other area businesses.
--Keeping diversity: We have all been guilty of complaining that there is not enough selection of this product or that or perhaps there is not a decent selection of restaurants in our town. If you do not support your local businesses, then they will not be able to stay open. It is that simple.
--Local business often put more money back into their local economy rather than bigger corporations. A Maine Center for Economic Policy study showed that for every $100 earned, local businesses put $58 back into their local economy. The study showed that for every $100 earned, national companies only put $33 back into the local economy.
--Inspiring competition in American businesses: Demand for local, American-made goods will increase if more people consider and purchase American-made. If demand increases, there will be more space for new businesses in the economy.
--Further strengthening your community network: When buying from local shops, you will probably find a more personal feel. You may feel more like family than a customer. In turn, the business owner is often making these connections with many community members. This connecting brings the community together and strengthens the town. Plus, many local businesses tend to be engaged in other community activities, enriching the lives of everyone.

You do not have to buy everything local to make impact. Even just changing your habits a little and considering more American-made products will make a positive impact.

Local First Bloomington has a nice page with resources for learning about the impact of buying local on the economy. The Institute for Self Reliance supplies links to several studies showing the impact of local businesses on the economy her: Key Studies on Big Box Retail & Independent Business.