One
You get to see your town in a new way
A couple of signs, booths and local business women and men and this once parking lot is bustling with commotion.
Two
Support Local Businesses
Did you know that if you were to spend $100 on local businesses, $73 will stay in your local community? In addition to supporting small business owners, you’re supporting your’re own community. Read more about why going Local Works.
Three
Local Is Good For You Too
Have you ever had a fruit cup in the winter? Didn’t something seem a little off? Likely the fruit was shipped from overseas or across the country and by the time the cantaloupe slices made it to the fruit cup they looked a little decrepit.
The less distance your produce has to travel to you, the fresher it is. Hmm, tasty!
Four
Eating What’s In Season
Fruits and vegetables have the most nutritional value when they were first picked. When you eat what’s in season you enjoy foods that are at their nutritional peak. Go, you!
Want to know what’s in season? Check out this what to eat, when to eat it infographic.
Five
Irradiation, Pesticide and Chemical Free Foods
All natural, in-season local produce a-plenty! Oh boy! Fried green tomatoes, anyone?
Six
Oh, The Glorious Smells
Your Farmer’s Market might smell of hay, apples and other Fall-related olfactory treasures; but out in the Southwest it smells like roasted green pepers — your pick of hot and extra hot. If you’re from outta town they also have mild and medium.
Seven
Food Trucks
Good food trucks are what’s in right now and thank goodness! The Uprooted Kitchen is a vegetarian/vegan food truck that visits the Gilbert Farmer’s Market.
Pictured on the right is their quinoa breakfast bowl – served with organic fruit and scone of the day (topped with coconut or almond milk). So good, I want to eat it every day for breakfast.
Eight
CSAs like RhibaFarms
Community Supported Agriculture is a great way to support local farmers and ensure you get fresh produce.
Advantages for farmers:
- Get to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 16 hour days in the field begin
- Receive payment early in the season, which helps with the farm’s cash flow
- Have an opportunity to get to know the people who eat the food they grow
Advantages for consumers:
- Eat ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and vitamin benefits
- Get exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking
- Usually get to visit the farm at least once a season
- Find that kids typically favor food from “their” farm – even veggies they’ve never been known to eat
- Develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown
Learn more about my CSA, RhibaFarms.
Nine
More Than Just Produce
Doesn’t this artisan bread look divine? Well, now that the weather is getting cooler here in Arizona the Gilbert Farmer’s Market is expanding with more and more delicious foodstuffs like fresh cheeses, tea, honey, jam and jellies, soap, coffee, dresses and shirts and much more.
Consider restocking your pantry with these goodies instead of heading to the Super-Mega-Mart.
Ten
Petting Zoos!
Chances are that there might be a small petting zoo at your local marché. Quel plaisir!
Want To Learn More?
Find a Farmer’s Market near you. Also check out Local Harvest’s great post about why you should Buy Local.
Are you near Gilbert? Check out the Gilbert Market this Saturday or learn how to become a vendor. Or go down on Thursdays to Chandler’s Farmer’s Market.
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