Farmers Markets are an excellent tool for incorporating fresh, whole foods into your weight management plan. Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of their special benefits and shop only at local grocery stores.
While grocery stores offer a wide variety of items that many other shopping locations don’t have, farmers markets offer a unique experience that your whole family can get involved in! Check out some of the benefits below, as well as how you can make the most out of your time while you’re there.
Benefits of Shopping at Farmers Markets
Have you ever eaten at a restaurant and commented on the freshness of the food? Many local restaurants will buy their produce and other items from nearby markets and stands to create the ultimate eating experience. Here are some of the things you can look forward to when you shop local and fresh:
- Seasonal Foods – Farmers markets are great at keeping their stock fresh and seasonal. Eating seasonally is also a great way to add variety to your meals.
- Cost – Many grocery stores tend to charge more for organic fruits and vegetables, but farmers markets are great at keeping their produce affordable.
- Variety – Small, local farms and markets pride themselves on their great varieties of produce. Beyond fruits and vegetables, you might also be able to find dairy products, bakery items and more!
- Community – Farmers markets are usually operated by local community members that view their market as more than a business. It’s a place to get to know others in your area, connect with your environment and have fun with your entire family.
- Awareness/Education – We all want to know where our food comes from. Markets source their products from nearby farms and can usually answer all of your questions about their food specifically. Additionally, they give you the chance to learn more about agricultural issues facing our society.
There’s nothing like the clean, fresh taste of whole foods which come from farmers markets. The next time you have an afternoon off, try rounding up your family for a visit!
