With Wisconsin summer finally here and the local farmer’s markets opening up, people are starting to think more about seasonal eating. There are many benefits to shopping at farmer’s markets, including fresh produce and baked goods, prices tend to be lower, and the best part is that you are supporting your local small businesses and farmers!
Fresh is Best
When purchasing produce from the farmer’s market, it comes straight from the farm, thus it is going to be more fresh. Since it is fresh produce, it also means that it is going to be more nutritious for us! The second that fruits and vegetables are picked, their nutritional value starts to decrease. Produce that has to be transported longer distances to grocery stores loses nutritional value compared to the ones that are picked the day before they are sold at your local market. It’s not to say that the produce sitting in grocery stores have no benefit, their vitamin and overall nutrition value may just be lower. Not only are you benefiting nutritionally, but they are definitely going to taste better as well!
Cost Effective
Supply and demand can determine the cost of fruits and vegetables. Higher prices make it harder for people to afford fresh produce. Farmer’s markets are making it easier for families to have access to fresh, affordable food. Since the items again do not have to be transported as far and farmers don’t have to jump through hoops to be able to sell their produce, they therefore do not have to charge as much for them. This is a huge bonus for the consumer! In Wisconsin during the spring, summer, and fall months, your chances of saving money by shopping locally at your farmer’s markets are a lot more likely!
Support Local
The biggest benefit to shopping at the farmer’s market is that you get to support all your local farmers and businesses! In addition, you are helping create a smaller carbon footprint because you are supporting locally grown food. Another benefit to supporting local is that you know exactly where your food is coming from and where it is sourced. This helps people know what is in their food, especially if they have allergies or intolerance to certain ingredients. Buying locally grown food helps to maintain farmland and green space within your community, benefiting the environment and promoting a safer food supply.
If you’d like more information on how to navigate the farmer’s market or what foods you should add to your diet, come see me for a FREE nutrition consultation!
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Written by Taylor Thompson, Certified Personal Trainer & Nutritionist at Elite Sports Club – Brookfield
Taylor has a B.S. in Dietetics from UW-Stevens Point and is an American Council of Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Certified Zumba Instructor. She specializes in Nutrition & Weight Loss, Youth Training, Strength Training, and Kickboxing. Taylor enjoys dancing, traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends. She believes that you have to love yourself enough that you are willing to make changes and push yourself outside your comfort zone where big results can be achieved.