It is time again for Farmers Markets!!

It is that time of year again, the local farmers markets are up and running all over Richmond and in your community.  It is important to shop your local markets not only b/c there are a healthier choices of foods for you and your family but b/c you support local economy and pay back our farmers for all their hard work.

Top Reasons you should visit your local market: 

• There is always the threat of shutting down local farms b/c they are not pulling their weight so support them by visiting the market and buying fresh! 
• Foods are grown naturally which make them better for our consumption!
• Take your children to the markets to help make them become less picky eaters.  Some experts say you have to introduce your child to the same food over a dozen times to really get a good idea if they really love a food or really hate a food.  Taking them to the markets help to educate them on where our food comes from and allows them to help you pick out some foods they want to try.  This makes them part of the shopping process. Your kids will also eat better during the busy summer months with the fresh produce.  Foods found at farmers markets are organic and home prepared which are better sources of nutrition than supermarket purchased.
• You will discover NEW and exciting ways of preparing all that nature has to offer.  Ask questions, sellers are happy to answer you on what the difference is between a pickling cucumber and a salad cucumber, or the best way to chop up and prepare egg plant :)  
• Your veggies and fruits will be less expensive b/c they are in season!  SO STOCK UP!!
• Reduce your carbon footprint!  These items in your local markest are coming from a farm close to the selling point which means less travel time and less gas spent on getting them to you.  Veggies and fruits are not packaged so there is no plastic! Take and use your own reusable bags that would lower your carbon footprint even more when you take home all your FRESH PRODUCE!!!

To find a local market near you go to www.fittingitin.org and click on the BUY LOCAL TAB, we will show you were all the local markets in and around Richmond, Virginia are located. If you are looking for one that is not listed click on the OTHER MARKETS outside of Richmond, you may find what you are looking for their.  If you are not from Richmond just GOOGLE Farmers Markets and your zip, you will find what you are looking for :)

EAT HEALTHY EVERYONE and enjoy the season of FARMED FRESH!!