Farmers’ markets are one of the best ways to find fresh, local food in season.
In case you need to be convinced, here are 7 reasons why you should shop at your local farmers’ market:
- Support local businesses.
When you shop a farmers’ market, you’re supporting many small local businesses and the families behind them – farmers, artists, bakers and food makers.
- Tasty and nutritious at the same time.
We all want to be healthier and eat better. Just picked fruits and vegetables are often more nutritious as they haven’t had time to lose their nutrients travelling long distances to market. This just picked freshness means they often taste better, and you are more likely to eat more fruits and veggies when they are at their peak.
- Learn about where your food comes from.
Modern conveniences make it easy to not think about where your food comes from. Markets are a good reminder of everything that’s grown and available in Alberta. They are also a reminder that you don’t always need to buy produce from California or elsewhere when we have beautiful, tasty produce grown right here in Alberta.
- Meet your food producers and makers.
Markets are the best opportunity to talk with the farmers who grow your food and the bakers who just baked your bread. You can ask about ingredients, when something was picked, how it was grown and the best ways to enjoy it.
- Be a part of the community.
Life is busy. This can make it hard to get out and be an active part of your community. Farmers’ markets are an easy way to reconnect with and support your city or town, local businesses and fellow citizens, all while checking items off your grocery list.
- Green friendly.
Alberta farmers and food makers don’t have to travel far to bring their products to market. This close proximity requires less energy and creates less impact than food shipped from other parts of the world.
- Get ready to be entertained.
Farmers’ markets are one-part commerce, one-part theatre. There is an energy and atmosphere at farmers’ markets that can’t be found at a supermarket. At a farmers’ market, you’ll often see old friends and neighbours while having the opportunity to chat with the people dedicated to making, growing and raising your food.
Find a market now!
