Looking for Produce? Have you hit the Farmers Market?

This week is National Farmers Market Week and at the start of the week the USDA announced that there are now 8, 144 farmers markets in the National Farmers Market Directory. In addition, Missouri is now the number 9 state in the number of Farmers Markets with a total of 246 listed in the state.

Farmers markets provide you with the chance to talk with farmers about their food, learn how the food was grown or how animals are handled and other information related to the food.  Supporting farmers markets not only helps you learn about your food but it supports the community and of course the farmer.

With produce at its peak in our area, now is the time to visit a local market and purchase fresh peaches, tomatoes, lettuce, melons and many other wonderful fruits and vegetables. You can also purchase fresh herbs which can help season your food so that you can reduce the amount of salt you add or even prepare foods with less fat. Using the National Farmers Market Directory you can search for markets close to you, see what foods are available at each market and learn what forms of payment each market accepts.

Add a trip to the local market to your “To DO” list for this week.

Connie Diekman, M.Ed., RD, CSSD

Nutrition Communications Consultant