6 Ways to Shop Local & Support Local Farmers this Summer
Today kicks off the start of National Farmer’s Market Week, an annual celebration honoring the impact farmer's markets have on our food system. This week on the Vibrant Health blog we’re sharing six ways you can support your local farmers this summer!
6 Fun Ways to Support Your Local Farmers Markets
- Research Local Farmer's Markets Near You
- Get Your Family Involved
- Eat with the Seasons
- Host a Farm-to-Table Dinner
- Pick-Your-Own Produce
- Get Involved in a CSA
1. Research Farmers Markets Near You
For starters, you’ll want to research farmers markets in your community. Browse the National Farmer’s Market Directory to see what’s available in your area!
2. Get Your Family Involved
Now that you’ve researched markets in your area, it’s time to plan your trip! Get the whole family involved by bringing your kids along for a fun “farmers market adventure.”
Make your own scavenger hunt to see what you can find (like one fruit and veggie from every color of the rainbow), encourage children to sample new foods or try a fun sensory exercise — naming one thing you can see, touch, taste, hear and smell.
3. Eat with the Seasons
Farmers grow their crops according to the seasons, so eating what’s in season is a wonderful way to support local farms and farmers' markets. While shopping, keep an eye out for these seasonal summer foods such as berries, cucumber, and zucchini!
4. Host a Farm-to-Table Dinner
This summer, invite your friends and family over for a farm-to-table dinner. Have each person bring a farm-fresh seasonal dish, utilizing local ingredients from the farmer's market. Break bread and share stories around the table as you enjoy your farm dinner!
5. Pick-Your-Own Produce
When in doubt, pick your own! There’s nothing quite like the taste of a freshly picked peach, blueberry or tomato. Browse farms in your area that offer pick-your-own so you can plan your visit this summer!
6. Get Involved in a CSA
Getting involved in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a wonderful way to shop local, while directly supporting a farmer.
Also known as crop sharing, you’ll pay to receive your own “farm share” — typically a weekly or bi-weekly box of farm goods. This can include anything from local produce to meats, eggs, milk and even condiments (like farm-fresh jam)!
DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended as a substitute for advice provided by a competent health care professional. You should not use this information in diagnosing or treating a health problem. No claim or opinion in this blog is intended to be, nor should be construed to be, medical advice. If you are now taking any drugs, prescribed or not, or have a medical condition, please consult a competent physician who is aware of herb/drug interactions before taking any herbal supplements. The information presented herein has not been evaluated by the FDA or the Department of Health and is not intended to diagnose, prevent, cure, mitigate or treat any disease or illness.