E-I-E-I-Oh! Farmers Markets Bring Locally Grown Produce Home

Locally grown produce is the way to go!

The highest-quality foods are the grown closest to home. Farmers Markets are a great source of sustainably grown food right in your area. You can buy produce, grass-fed meat, and other greats and support your local farmers. Since a healthy diet is filled with fresh fruits vegetables and unique foods, going to your local farmers market is a must!

Going to farmers markets aren’t just a great way to get out of the house, pick up the best produce and take a walk outside. The benefits of going to local markets trickles down to more people than you might think.

Here’s 10 Reasons to Buy Local

Spending Locally Supports Your Local Economy
Residents typically don’t even spend 10% of their income in the county which they live. Local businesses would gain additional sales if you would just support in-county spending.

Invest in Your Community
Local farmers are managed by people who live and work in your community. Their businesses support local schools, organizations including churches and enhance the quality of life.

You’ll Save Money
Shopping locally saves you time, gas and money. A shopping trip generally leave you burning oil in traffic. For every mile you save, pocket the cash for another time and take someone you love out for dinner.

Friendly Neighborhood Business
Local markets are staffed by residents, your neighbors and maybe even your friends. Have you ever met someone at your local chain grocery store? Perhaps, but you are more likely to make a friend at a farmers market because the folks there share similar interests.

Donations and Non-Profit Support
Many communities take donations, or support local charities and proceeds go directly to charitable, non-profits in your area.

Keep Them in the Community
If your country, or neighborhood has a farmers market, shopping there can help ensure they stay in business. These markets not only support local farmers, and the community but also help create awareness for others.

Go Green!
Local shopping can help reduce your carbon footprint. Not only do you create less pollution, your gas consumption goes down and your use of plastic bags (made with oil) also goes down. Bringing a few canvas bags to market is common and since you are only picking up fresh goods, you don’t need a lot of bags.

Better Quality, Better Variety
Local markets offer a wide variety of produce that is sustainable because it naturally grows in your environment. Many people think that local shops have a smaller selection than a chain outlet but it’s just not true. Plus, the quality of your groceries improves because fewer artificial practices are used to grow the food. Organic produce is generally smaller, but this is only because it’s not genetically engineered. That’s a good thing!

One-of-a-Kind Goods
Often times vendors at farmers markets include organic produce, hand-made candle makers, jewelry designers, beauty product businesses and more! Usually these businesses are run locally and offer unique items you can’t find anywhere else. Just chatting with vendors, and checking out what they have to offer is fun, but taking home a rare piece of artwork or a completely natural beauty product not found in stores is even better.

Better Service, A Better Experience
Dragging a wobbling cart down a billion chilled isles isn’t my idea of a good time. I would much prefer to shop outside at a collective market that supports my right to choose local produce, and sustainable food sources. I enjoy talking to people when I shop there and get information about the foods I eat directly.

Sound like something you’d like to do? Find a farmers market in your area here!

This post may include affiliate links.

SkinnyMs.

The SkinnyMs. team believes that all people, regardless of age, size, and fitness level, have the power to transform their lives — they just need the resources to do so. The SkinnyMs. method promotes healthy living through a combination of clean eating and regular exercise. We offer everything you need to be successful.

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1 Comment

  1. We love buying local! We belong to a CSA in the summer and the last pickup day is always a sad one for me! My son also works at a local farm in the summer and we get produce there as well!

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