buy local.

Do you know what happens when you buy fruits and veggies from the farmers market? I'll tell you.

1. They taste better.

The produce has not had to travel for days over hundreds of miles in the back of a truck. It was grown at a farm that is close enough to the market that it would be economically realistic for them to drive to the market to sell their produce. That means that it was probably picked VERY recently. As in, today or the past few days. So it's VERY fresh. And fresh = flavorful. 

2. They're cheaper.

When you buy a tomato at the farmers market, you aren't paying for the electric bill of the store you're buying it from, the employees that had to be paid to put the tomato on display, or for the driver that had to be paid to deliver the tomato to the store. You're just paying for the tomato.

3. You're helping local economy.

Instead of pumping money into a foreign economy or another state, you're helping out local small farmers who are probably struggling to compete. 

4. The sellers really appreciate your business.

A lot of the time they will give you extra produce. Yesterday I bought a big zucchini for 75 cents, and the seller gave me two zucchinis. I also bought a quart of peaches (which was overflowing), and after putting them into the bag, he threw in a few extra peaches. When you go to your local grocery store, do they offer you a few extra items for free?

5. You get some exercise and fresh air :)

And who couldn't use a little more of that? ;)

Ok, now that being said.... I clearly shop at a chain grocery store all the time. Like 1-2 times a week.  It's just not practical or possible to buy everything I use at a farmers market, and most of the year it's not an option. I have nothing against. I appreciate them! Imagine if we were still foraging for food and collecting berries old-school style? Yikes.

All I'm saying is that if you get the chance, go to your local farmers market! Check it out. If it isn't your thing, no big deal. The grocery stores do carry local produce from time to time when it's in season, so you can always get some local produce where you regularly buy your groceries. 

PS. D calls me a dork because "I love produce". So what if I like to walk up and down the rows at the farmers market looking at all the produce? It's normal, right?