Living Well with BCHC; Visit Your Local Farmers Market
Ever been to a farmers market? If not, check that off your list this summer! Farmers markets typically start in May and end in the fall. They help to bring producers and buyers together in a fun and casual environment. Here are just a few benefits of shopping at a farmers market.
- Buy fresh, buy healthier – Because a majority of the produce available at the market is picked within 24 hours of you buying it, it is going to be much fresher and more nutritious than what you would buy in the store.
- Buy and support local – Most market vendors are small family farmers, so buying local helps show your support for family farms. An added bonus from buying directly from the farmer is you know exactly how and where the produce was grown.
- Free samples – Most vendors will provide customers with free samples of their products or recipes that were created with their products. They love to give their expertise on how to cook with their products and will give you many yummy suggestions!
You can visit the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Farmers Market Directory to find a local farmers market near you at: https://www.idalsdata.org/fmnp/index.cfm?fuseaction=main.formFarmersMarketDirectory
For more information please contact Sarah Kielly, Local Foods Coordinator, Buchanan County ISU Extension and Outreach at skielly@iastate.edu or 319-334-7161.
Buchanan County Health Center
319 – 332 – 0850
www.bchealth.org