Welcome back the the blog for Nantucket Gate! Today we are discussing farmers markets, but more specifically, why you should choose to shop at a local farmers market instead of a grocery store. Head to your favorite farmers market in the Tacoma, WA area to reap the benefits!
You’re Buying Local
When you buy local you are supporting the economy of your city. You aren’t helping a big business to get wealthy; you are helping families to meet their needs. Buying locally grown food also benefits the environment because it does not have to be shipped, which requires the use of limited natural resources and fossil fuels.
You Get the Freshest Produce
When you shop at a farmers market you can rest assured that you are getting the freshest produce around. Everything that you find there is in season, grown nearby, and at peak freshness so you are guaranteed high quality ingredients. Eating in season fruits and veggies will also have health benefits that you will feel.
It’s Cheaper
You can find a variety of fresh, organic produce at more affordable prices at a farmers market than in a supermarket. There are also many farmers that carry products that are not technically “organic,” (as this is a costly and an often bureaucratic-heavy process), but have many low-priced foods that are pesticide and herbicide free. The advantage at a farmers market is that you can actually talk to the farmer, learn about their methods, and then decide for yourself if the produce is something you’re interested in. They may even allow you to come and visit their farm to learn more!
You Find Safer Foods
Purchasing food from your local farmers market is generally safer. Remember the recent outbreaks of E. coli in bagged spinach? These things happen mostly in large industrial settings, where business people work to mass produce food, preserve it, and bag it in large amounts. Avoid all that by knowing where your food is coming from and how it got to you.
What are your favorite things about shopping at a farmers market? Share your thoughts with the rest of our apartment community in the comments. Thanks for reading our post.