At the Farmers Market This Saturday

Looking to buy healthful produce that's grown locally and naturally? Then consider a visit to the Port Washington Organic Farmers Market.

Here's what you'll find on Saturday: parsley, carrots, zucchini, cucumbers, kale, swiss chard, kohlrabi, spring onions, turnips, raspberries, and broccoli from Golden Earthworm in Jamesport, Orient Organics in Orient Point and Emerald Farms. The market often features demonstrations, and free samples. Also on hand are organic muffins, eggs, and even organic coffee for purchase. 

Some Port residents make a point of incorporating organic ingredients into their diet. Just ask Sandra Effune. "I like to buy organic ingredients because they are real foods free of all pesticides," Effune noted. "They are safer to eat and have a higher level of nutrients."

Run by Grassroots Environmental Education, a non-profit organization, the farmers market is held every Saturday at the Town Dock during the summer and fall.  It starts at 8 a.m. and ends at noon, and it is open to all—pets and children welcome.

Unlike other farmers markets on Long Island—and indeed, the state—the Port Washington Farmers Market sells only products that are 100 percent organic, according to Grassroots Environmental Education.  Conventional growing methods often involve pesticides and other ecologically harmful agents, but because these products are labeled "organic," they were created with a minimum of environmental damage.  Also, buying local produce enables consumers to reduce their cabon footprint because the goods are not shuttled far from the farm to the kitchen, so fewer greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere.

There are health benefits to eating organic, too. As Patricia Wood, who serves on the board of directors for Grassroots Environmental Education, said, "Organic foods are way better for one's health than conventionally grown foods.  Children in particular are often more vulnerable to the effects of pesticides than adults."     

The local farmers market makes it easy for Port residents to tread a little more lightly on the planet, noted Alex Zippo.

"Having local farms involved in the farmers market is important," Zippo pointed out. "It shows how it's really not that difficult to buy organic and help the environment."