5 Benefits of Supporting Your Local Farmers Markets

The week of August 5th is National Farmers Market Week. Why not honor that week by making a visit to your local farmers markets?

 

There are plenty of reasons to visit your local farmers markets beyond just getting a great-tasting head of lettuce. Here are just several of the benefits of supporting your local farmers markets.

 

  1. You’ll support local eating. Most agricultural vendors at farmers markets are committed to providing locally-grown food—either grown by themselves or by local farming peers. When locally grown items are not available due to seasonal changes, they’ll often use food grown in your same state or, at the very least, within the U.S. When you buy from your local farmers market, you’ll support local and regional farm businesses. Plus, it’ll taste better because it’s fresher.
  2. It’s more than just lettuce and cucumbers.Farmers markets include a whole host of food items, many of them available for sampling. With larger markets swelling to 50 to 100 vendors (think of the St. Petersburg Saturday Market, the Sarasota Farmers Marketin downtown Sarasota, or the Fresh Market at the Shops at Wiregrass), farmers markets bring a convergence of foodie fare, including produce, cheese, breads, olive oils, honey, juices, sauces, and much more.
  1. Get to know your community.Farmers markets can be a great way to get to know others in your community. Even if you think of yourself as more business-minded, you may be surprised to find the number of local business owners who support local markets or have vendor booths (it can be true even for businesses that are not food-focused). You may find yourself doing some impromptu networking as you make your way through the market.
  2. Get Fido out and about.Many markets allow people to bring their dogs. If you’re an animal lover, you’ll get endless amusement out of seeing GreatDanes beside low-to-the-ground basset hounds and every other canine in between. Plus, many vendors will put out fresh water or dog treats to share with your dog best friend.
  3. Eat healthier—and perhaps more economically. For the most part, the vendors at farmers market focus on healthy fare (and if it’s not healthy, it’s at least fresh). If you make a point to source your food from local, healthy items when possible, you’ll feel better. You also may find that buying food at the market is cheaper than at the supermarket. A number of market vendors accept SNAP benefits (formerly called food stamps), helping those who may need a leg up financially.

 

For more information about farmers markets in the Bradenton and Sarasota area, just click here.

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At Secure Aging in Bradenton, wetransform the weight of the world into a sigh of relief for our senior clients and their concerned family members. The mission of Secure Aging is to protect and preserve our client’s independence and dignity through careful and thoughtful financial and care management. As our clients age, it is their desire to remain independent and age with dignity. Our services protect our clients from talented con artists looking to exploit and deplete the financial resources of our vulnerable seniors. Secure Aging helps families in Manatee County and Sarasota County and in and around the communities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Myakka City, Palmetto, Parrish, and Sarasota. Call us at 941-761-9338, or visit us online at www.secureaging.com.

 

 

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