Why Do I Support My Local Farmers’ Market?

By Beth Connors

The simple answer is it’s a family tradition, four generations strong.

Recently, I was telling my father about our local farmers’ market, and that I remembered going to a farmers’ market with his parents when I was kid. Turns out my father and I share the childhood experience of market going with our grandparents. Dad grew up in Niagara Falls, NY and often attended the local farmers’ market with his grandmother. After some Internet research, I discovered the Niagara Falls City Market continues to operate today, at the same location, on Pine Avenue between 18th & 19th Streets.

When Dad was a boy, there were four sheds with open sides where the farmers backed up their trucks, and set up tables to display their wares.  The farmers came from all over Niagara County to sell a wide variety of vegetables, fruits and eggs.  My great grandmother walked a block to the market three days a week.  She visited every stall in the market to assess what was available and who had the best price before she made any purchases.  Afterwards, Dad and Grandma would visit the butcher or poultry shop, and Trecello’s bakery, all of the later establishments being conveniently located on the perimeter of the farmers’ market.

There are many reasons to visit farmers’ markets-supporting local farmers, serving yourself and your family whole, healthy food, and knowing its source. However, the reason that resonates with me?  It’s a family tradition; one Dad and I continue today, and one I look forward to sharing with my grandchildren.