5 Reasons To Shop At Your Local Farmers Market
graphic design : Wenz Creative
"The 23 million small businesses in America account for 54% of all U.S. business sales"
My husband moved me from the Bay Area to a little town in Central Washington (Roslyn, Washington). I honestly was not too thrilled about moving to a smaller town and smaller spaces. I am Miami, Florida native who lived in the Bay Area and then moved to a town of 900 people! I was in a state of deep depression trying to adjust my life, family, career choices, and culture shock. As you can see, that was a nuclear bomb in my life (the crazy things you do for love). I think over-time God had to constantly worked on my heart to show me this was His path for me.
"I live in the most beautiful tiny town in America"
As a year and a half went on, I grew more and more fond of living in Roslyn and can proudly say I live in the most beautiful tiny town in America. I felt every time I traveled to the "big cities", I longed to be back in Roslyn with peace, quietness and clean air. I wouldn't trade living anywhere else but Roslyn, Washington.
Anyways, now that you heard my life story, let's move on to the good stuff; The Roslyn Farmers Market. It is basically one of the highlights of our town. It is filled with so many bright souls all around. There is local vendors, music, food and historic charm. You explore the old cemetery, hike, camp, kayak, and bike nearby. The market is only opened in the summer from the middle of June thru September. Here are a couple of reasons why you should visit your any local farmers market.
1. Supporting the local economy.
"Buying produce directly from farmers helps them from the globalized economy"
The farmers market economy is a great way to support your local agriculture. This way you are supporting and protecting your local environment. Instead of wasting pollution, gasoline, packaging, and miles of traveling, we reduce that by shopping locally. Buying produce directly from farmers helps them from the globalized economy. I always have to remember when you are supporting a small business you are supporting a dream.
2. Seasonal Produce
The food you buy at the market is seasonal. Most grocery store produce isn't fresh, therefore it loses its taste, quality and it may be filled with chemicals. For example, the average apple at a grocery store is over a year old. Apples are usually in season from August thru September. Yuck! We want to take care of our bodies and consume the freshest ingredients we can consume.
"The average apple at a grocery store is over a year old"
I love coming into the market during summer and checking out cherries, raspberries, and blueberries throughout the summer months. There are some places in Eastern Washington I have been to where there are local strawberry, raspberry, blueberry and cherry picking. It is lovely to pick your own fruit from farmers who put love and time into their crop.
3. Know where your food comes from
It's nice to know where our food comes from. To be honest, I haven't really thought about this because I'm an average American just rhythmically going to the grocery store every week. I want to make a conscious decision to be aware of what produce and meat I buy and knowing I am supporting our local farmers close by. I can't imagine every day our produce is being dragged thousands of miles away losing its quality every time.
"I want to make a conscious decision to be aware of what produce and meat I buy and knowing I am supporting our local farmers close by."
For example, I am originally from Florida, so when they have Mangos or Star-fruit sitting at Fred Meyer in Washington State, I never buy it. I know for a fact, first of all, they are not in season. Second, it's definitely not local!
4. Ethical Choices
Now, we can't 100% know for sure if farmers treat their animals right. But shopping at your local farmers market can help you meet farmers that humanely treat animals in the right way. Many huge farmers mistreat their animals causing the animal in distress. When an animal is in distress, the quality of meat is lowered.
"Shopping at your local farmers market can help you meet farmers that humanely treat animals in the right way"
Now I am not vegetarian or vegan but I do believe in humane and ethical values in animal care. It breaks my heart to see animals tortured or being placed in very in closed areas. I don't believe we should be supporting this globalized economy with their poor choices in animal cruelty.
5. Connecting with the community
Michaela (makingmichaela.org), Jace and Rowyn
The farmers market for me is a fun way to socialize and connect with people. I am always meeting new people from other towns and cities. Farmers Markets are fun, festive and have so many positive vibes.
"The farmers market for me is a fun way to socialize and connect with people."
It is something to always look forward to every year during the summer months. I implore you to explore all of the different types of markets around your area. Supporting our small businesses, the local economy and connecting with people is a great way to make a small difference in our society today.
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