5 Reasons to Mosey through your Farmers Market

What’s the best way to spend the summer season? Well, swimming, camping, barbequing and taking a vacation all fall under that category. But, some of the best ways are much simpler and a great way to improve your health! Get outside and mosey through produce stands at your local farmers market. Experience the touch and taste of various fruits and vegetables all locally grown and in season.

Before you know, you have a sack full of healthy food choices and you’re on your way home to enjoy them. If that’s not a good enough reason to shop at a farmers market, there’s plenty more:

Fresher produce makes for better taste!

Without question, produce from a farmers market taste better and richer as opposed to fruits and vegetables found in your local grocery store. Produce bought from a local farmer is generally safer and less likely to be genetically modified or sprayed with unnecessary pesticides. With the goods produced locally, there’s no doubt that the fruit & veggies were picked just a couple days before your purchase; hence the freshness and the taste!

Your support assists local farmers and the economy!

Aside from purchasing only the freshest fruits and veggies, buyers know their money is going back to the farmers rather than a larger corporation. With your continuous support, farmers can sigh in relief that their hard work is paying off and you can know that your money is staying within the community.

Eat seasonally!

While shopping at the community farmers market, you will only find fruits and vegetables ripe within that season, which can only mean one thing? Customers will only find the freshest produce! The produce isles in stores have too broad of a range of offerings, which lead to unripe fruits/vegetables. While at the farmers market, you can speak with local farmers to find out what produce is best during which season in your area.

Fresh produce is healthier!

If you take anything away from this post, understand that purchasing produce from the local farmers’ market is way healthier for you. Not only is the produce safer for your body, but it tastes better than store-bought veggies/fruits.

Attending a farmers market makes for a perfect summer day!

Here’s what makes the ultimate summer day: Wake up early, grab an iced coffee and head to the local farmers market with friends! At the community market, you can browse local produce, handmade items, homemade goods and just enjoy the day. Talk to the farmers and vendors about their products and educate yourself on how buying locally affects not only the community but yourself, as well!

Teaming up with West Virginia University extension services, Coplin Health Systems (CHS) will be hosting the Route 18 Farm Market from 8 a.m. until noon on June 27, July 11, July 25, August 8 and August 22. The market will be set up at Coplin’s Camden Avenue location in Parkersburg, where customers can find a variety of local produce. SNAP, credit/debit card and cash will be accepted.

This project was funded by a grant from the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates.