Farmers markets are a
great place to shop for fresh, healthy foods. Many communities have seasonal
farmers markets, and some offer them year round. New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service has developed a set
of VIGA cards for use at farmers
markets and natural food stores to help consumers learn about and enjoy 31
local vegetables. They are available in English and Spanish here. Please share this excellent
resource, as well as the information and resources below!
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1) Freshly picked, in season
produce is at its peak in flavor and nutrition. While some fruits and vegetables are
harvested year round in the United States, many of them grow for only three to four
months each year.
How do stores offer them when
they are not in season? The produce is typically grown in a heated greenhouse
or imported from another country where it is in season. In some cases (e.g.,
tomatoes, bananas, pears), fruits are picked early and ethylene gas is used to
ripen them before sale. In other cases (e.g., apples, lettuce, potatoes,
carrots), storage practices have been honed to make it possible to sell produce
weeks to a year after harvesting.
It seems convenient to have
access to the same variety of produce all year. However, produce begins to lose
nutrients and flavor from the time it is harvested. Produce sold in areas where
it is out of season is lower in quality and typically costs much more than
produce sold in its local season. Plus, shorter transportation distances
involved in buying produce in its season means a smaller carbon footprint which
is better for the environment. Check out the Seasonal Produce Guide to learn what fruits and vegetables are in season.
2) Support your local farmers and
economy.
The Farmers Market Coalition states that “growers selling locally, create
thirteen full time farm operator jobs per $1 million in revenue earned, while
those that do not sell locally only create three.”
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3)Fresh fruit and vegetables are
full of antioxidants and phytonutrients. Antioxidants
neutralize free radicals that could otherwise damage the cells of
our bodies. Phytonutrients are compounds produced by plants that are believed
to help protect the body from certain diseases.
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| CBS LA |
4) It's a great way to get your kids
involved. Let them
pick out something new
to try, then they can help prepare a meal or snack using the Kids in the Kitchen tips and recipes.
5) Supporting your local farmers market
strengthens your community. “Farmers markets play a vital role
in forming healthy, local food systems,” says Jen Cheek, Executive Director of
the Farmers Market Coalition. “By providing the opportunity for farmers to
connect directly with consumers, markets serve as education centers. Vendors
are teaching customers about agriculture, sharing recipes, and exposing them to
new foods. Markets are making people and communities stronger and healthier." Learn how farmers markets
impact your community in the section of the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food compass.
6) Farmers markets offer foods that
align with MyPlate guidelines. They offer a variety of fruits and
vegetables with which to fill half your plate at meals. Some also carry fresh
sources of lean protein, dairy, and whole grains. For more information about MyPlate.
7) Farmers often have recommendations for
preparing their products. Visit Fruits and Veggies, More Matters! to see recipes that use fresh
fruits and vegetables.
8) You can try a new fruit or vegetable! Have you ever tasted gooseberries
or rhubarb? Many farmers markets offer lesser known fruits and vegetables,
providing a variety that can be both tasty and nutritious. In addition to the VIGA cards, learn how to select and
store rare and common fruits and vegetables with the Fruit Nutrition Database and
the Vegetable Nutrition Database at Vegetable Nutrition Database.
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| NMSU Photo |
9) SNAP and WIC benefits are
accepted at some farmers markets. The New Mexico Department of
Health and several of the Pueblos work to make farmers market goods available
to those receiving WIC and SNAP benefits, as well as to seniors.
10) Farmers markets are easy to find. Use the USDA Farmers Market Search to find one near you. It will also
tell you if the farmers market accepts SNAP and WIC benefits.
By: Cassandra
Vanderpool, MS, RDN, LD
Extension
Diabetes Coordinator
*Resources
available upon request.
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