August 7th through the 13th marks the 12th annual National Farmers Market Week – a week dedicated to spreading the word about how important farmers markets are for our local communities.
“Farmers markets grow healthy farms, healthy people, and healthy communities,” says Stacy Miller, Executive Director of the Farmers Market Coalition. “During a slow economic recovery, farmers markets are stand-out successes in delivering triple bottom line benefits while making entrepreneurship work in communities large and small. During Farmers Market Week, we invite everyone to celebrate their local farmers markets and enjoy fresh local food from America’s most innovative farmers.” –FarmersMarketCoalition.org
I’m a huge fan of supporting local farmers – which is partly why I participate in my CSA farm share every year. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a program that allows me to pick up an allotment of fresh vegetables right from a local farm every Tuesday after paying upfront at the beginning of the growing season. Farmers Markets are abundant in my area too, which makes it extremely easy for me to get fresh local produce almost any day of the week. Actually, efforts to support local farmers are so abundant in Western Massachusetts that it’s hard for me to imagine not being within easy reach to delicious seasonal produce. However the truth of the matter is that many people don’t have this kind of access.
But why not?! Well it seems that I’m not the only one asking that same question because we have some good news. The number of farmers markets has grown to 7,175 in 2011! I’d say a 17% increase in just one year is success to be talking about!
So get to your local farmers market this week, show your support, and learn how supporting them is really investing in your community too! If you don’t know where your nearest farmers market is located, try searching on Local Harvest or the Eat Well Guide.
Just in case you aren’t sure what you may be missing out on, here are a few pictures of what I’ve been getting in my CSA farm share the past several weeks. I’m not sure which is better – getting fresh veggies – or picking my own flowers in their incredible fields! Don’t forget that fresh produce goes perfectly with any Lightlife item too – fresh summer squash with Smart Strips steak style, fresh garlic, and bell peppers – YUM . 😉
Do you shop at a farmers market near you? Do you think it’s important to support your local farmers? What’s your favorite thing to pick-up there and do you have any suggestions on new produce other readers should try?
Rachael
Lightlife Team Member
Blog-itarian 
I go to the my local farmer’s market in Ithaca, NY every Saturday (and sometimes Sunday) from the end of April to the end of October/ beginning of November. I do most of my weekly grocery shopping there- fruits, veggies, bread, juice, cheese. I have friendships with some of the farmer/vendors now.
I can’t get enough of asparagus, beets, carrots, fresh corn, eggplant… the list goes on and on. Fresh food is sooooooo tasty! I LOVE my Farmer’s Market.
Posted by Jennifer | August 11, 2011, 1:32 pmI’m the same way! Just got eggplant this week that I think I’ll make tonight 🙂
Posted by Blogitarian | August 11, 2011, 2:05 pmI love the picture of the flowers on the car — gorgeous!
I don’t shop too much at the Farmer’s Market anymore because I get MORE than enough from my CSA farm share. I love going to the farm every week to pick up my goodies and pick some beans, flowers, and herbs.
It’s exceptionally important to purchase local — you’re supporting the local economy, ethical and pro environmental practices, the food tastes better, and it’s fresher. Most of the time if you have a CSA you actually SAVE money, too! No excuses 😉
And my favorite thing to pick up is tomatoes because they taste so much better fresh. I also love zucchini mmm.
I’m planning on making “healthified” fried rice tonight and using my last Lightlife coupon to add some veggie protein. You bet I’ll be posting about it!
Have a great weekend!
Posted by Allie @ Healthy Balance, Healthy Life | August 12, 2011, 9:50 amThanks Allie! I’ve been picking TONS of tomatoes at my CSA lately – I can’t get enough of them. 🙂 I’m excited to see your healthified fried rice – sounds pretty yummy.
I hope you have a great weekend too!
Posted by Blogitarian | August 12, 2011, 4:22 pmWe just went to our market to celebrate National Farmers’ Market week (not that we don’t go every week anyways!) and it was fantastic. Such a good week to have it because it is the peak of the season.
I’ve been thinking about signing up for a CSA in the fall. Any tips?
Posted by shannonbird | August 12, 2011, 11:44 amI was just talking with my Mom about that actually – it seems this week all of a sudden veggies are just popping up everywhere! Peak of the season for sure!
Check out my post about picking my farm share. I’d say the most important thing to do is check that they are growing things you’re interested in. If you can’t find the info online- they are usually super nice and willing to talk over the phone about any questions you may have. I’ve never done a fall one before, but I’m definitely thinking of doing it this year.
Posted by Blogitarian | August 12, 2011, 4:29 pmI really enjoy our Friday mornings Farmers Market here on hilton head, sc, We have lots of local veggies, flowers, herbs and baked goods. You should come down to see it sometime, it’s becoming a real “hot spot” Nancy
Posted by Nancy Hogg | August 12, 2011, 3:10 pmSounds like a great place to be! I hope I can make it down there soon 😉
Posted by Blogitarian | August 12, 2011, 4:32 pm