Fall is a perfect time to visit a Farmers’ Market! Fall produce is plentiful in Farmers’ Markets, including apples, pears, pumpkins, winter squash, potatoes and turnips. Some markets close in late fall, but others stay open year-round. Plan your visit today and enjoy these benefits of shopping at a Farmers’ Market:
- Buying at a Farmers’ Market can save money. When fruits and vegetables are grown locally, they only travel a short distance and that helps keep the cost low. At many markets you can use your SNAP benefits EBT card to pay for fresh fruits and vegetables.
- You can’t get any fresher than straight from the farm! Fruits and vegetables at the Farmers’ Market haven’t wasted any time sitting around in a warehouse or a grocery store. Instead, they are picked and then loaded on a truck to be driven right to your local Farmers’ Market. Fresher fruits and vegetables means more flavor on your plate.
- When you shop at a Farmers’ Market more of your money goes directly to the farmer. A successful farmer’s market is good for farmers and strengthens the local economy and surrounding neighborhood.
- Try something new! Farmers’ Markets often have varieties of produce that you don’t see in a regular grocery store, so you’re sure to find some new favorites. Farmers are happy to talk about their products and answer your questions. Find recipes and ideas for using unfamiliar items here or look for a Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables workshop near you.
Find locations and hours of Farmers’ Markets throughout New York State at: http://www.agriculture.ny.gov/ap/communityfarmersmarkets.asp
Photo Credit: “Borough Market” by Aurelien Guichard / CC BY-SA 2.0