Have you ever gone to any farmers’ markets not knowing what to look at? Or what to try first? Or if you’re getting the best bang for your buck? Have you questioned, “are the foods really that much better than in a regular store?”.

I know I have!

Farmers’ markets are a great way to support local farmers and businesses while also obtaining fresh, high-quality produce that can have a positive impact on your health.

Here are 10 reasons why supporting farmers’ markets can benefit your health:

1. Freshness

Most people like tasty fruits and vegetables for their flavour, texture, and sweetness. The produce is typically picked at the peak of ripeness, this means it is fresher and more flavourful than produce that has been transported long distances like in grocery stores.

Picked at peak ripeness can help to preserve the nutrients and taste of the produce.

2. Nutritional Value

Why is Nutritional Value important and what does it mean? It refers to the contents of food and its impact on the body. It relates to carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, additives, enzymes, vitamins, sugar intake, cholesterol, and fat and salt intake.

Produce from farmers’ markets are often higher in nutrients than in most grocery stores. This means that you are getting more vitamins and minerals when you buy locally.

3. Organic Options

What is organic? Organic means it is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and other harmful chemicals, which can harm your body, and it follows strict guidelines set by organic certifying organizations. For this reason, organic produce is considered better for your health.

Most organic farming also helps to protect the environment by using sustainable farming practices and promoting biodiversity.

With healthier options and less harmful chemicals, many farmers’ markets feature more organic produce.

4. Reduced Risk Of Food-Borne Illness

Why is this important? The farmers can tell you how the produce was grown, stored, and handled. This can reduce the risk of foodborne illness because you get to know your food, where it came from, the safe practices the farmers use on the animals if they use harmful chemicals on their produce, and so much more.

When you go to a grocery store, you don’t get that option, you go in grab what you need, and leave without learning anything about where your produce came from, or how they farm their food.

The farmers and stores are open to answer questions, so don’t be afraid to ask, they are there to help you.

5. Seasonal Produce

Eating seasonally can provide a wider variety of nutrients and phytochemicals (various active compounds found in plants) that your body needs, and shopping at farmers’ markets allows you to eat seasonally.

I know we like to eat strawberries all year long, but the best time to eat them is when they can be purchased directly from a local grower shortly after harvest, and they taste soooo much better this way.

6. Support a Healthy Diet

Why is a healthy diet important? It protects you from many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Farmers’ markets provide easy access to fresh produce that contains less salt/sodium, artificial sugars, and sweeteners, and saturated and industrially produced trans-fats which are harmful to the body.

7. Encourage Healthy Eating Habits

Your eating habits are very essential to your health. Shopping at farmers’ markets can encourage healthy eating habits by providing easy access to fresh, whole foods.

8. Connect With Your Food

Connecting with your food is something that is missed hugely in our society today. Instead of growing or purchasing food directly from local farmers, many people rely on grocery stores and fast food restaurants for their meals. This disconnection with our food can lead to a lack of knowledge about where our food comes from and how it is grown, as well as unhealthy eating habits and a dependence on processed foods. This disconnect also leads to a lack of understanding of the impact of our food choices on the environment, the local economy, and the farmers themselves, who are the backbone of our food system.

Shopping at farmers’ markets allows you to connect with your food, and learn about where it comes from and how it was grown, which can help you make healthier food choices.

9. Support Local Farmers

When you shop at a farmers’ market, you are directly supporting the farmers who grow the food. This helps to keep small farms in business and strengthens local communities.

10. Promote Sustainable Food Systems

Shopping at farmers’ markets supports sustainable food systems by reducing the environmental impact of long-distance transportation, packaging and monoculture farming. This also helps to preserve the planet for future generations.

In summary, once you start shopping at farmers’ markets and supporting local businesses, you’ll notice the positive effect on your body. And you will never turn back!

You get to know the farmers and workers there, and where your food is coming from, some farmers might even invite you to their farm or farm shop to explore more. It is a community where everyone comes together to provide you with all sorts of beautiful foods, meats, and products.

Eating fresh, nutrient-dense produce, reducing the risk of foodborne illness, and encouraging healthy eating habits are just a few of the many benefits of supporting farmers’ markets. By supporting your local farmers market, you can make a positive impact on your health and community.

If you want to find where the Famers’ Markets in your area are, go on Google and search “Farmer’s Markets in ____(your town/city/area)___”.

Support Local and Stay Humble