Sorry to have been MIA for a while now. Life in general has been kicking my tail. We've been dealing with flooding rain, pinworms, pink eye, thrush and a newly diagnosed food intolerance for C. But, here I am again and am on to one of my favorite topics: the Farmer's Market.
Although we live in a small town, we are fortunate enough to have a farmer's market. I love the farmer's market! It is environmentally responsible and frugal...and FUN! This time I picked up some baby potatoes, tomatoes, peas, and beans. Oh, and I bought a HUGE basket of fresh organic peaches. That sucker was HEAVY! I am going to can it and make peach jam and peach butter......so excited! I also came home with natural soap, a cloth baked potato bag and a "jug jacket" for nursing. Okay, so I already had a different nursing cover-up (not to mention a plain old blanket works too), but I hated the stupid thing because it was like a hairdresser's cape. And baby hated it too because he felt trapped (so I think). This one was lightweight, and had wire in the neck to hold it slightly away from baby and was covered in really cute little cowboys. I normally just don't cover up, which is fine with me. I am super duper pro-breastfeeding and feel you shouldn't have to hide away to feed your baby, but let's face it....sometimes you don't feel comfortable plopping baby on in front of certain company. To be honest, I usually feel like my "audience" is more uncomfortable than I am (this is baby no.3, and baby no.2 was 18 mos and still nursing so my threshold is way high). Oh, and A currently likes to check out his surroundings while eating, which means he stops and looks around which leaves me a little too exposed. Cute, cute find.
Okay, so I digress. The point is, I like to spend money at the farmer's market. I think it is the best place to spend your money (and get the most in return) and the most friendly for Mama Earth. Here are some reasons why:
1. Supports small local farms and hand-made crafts
2. Fresher produce, picked when ripe
3. Encourages "in-season" eating
4. Saves money in your wallet by putting you in direct contact with farmers, cutting out the "middleman"
5. Reduces travel expenses and waste (ex: less gas utilized to get fresh produce from farm to front door)
6. Healthier for your body than processed foods
7. Shared sense of community
8. You can also bargain for your goods (Note here: I usually don't, because all is almost always cheaper than the grocery store--but I do when buying in bulk. Farmers are usually glad to round to even dollars, even if its in your favor)
9. Less chemicals/pesticides used by farmers who care
10. Kids usually leave with treats for them, making them cooperative. This time C and D scored lifesavers and little American flags for each of them (which they are "saving for when B comes home"--ha!)
Oh, I love the farmer's market. Find your closest one and check it out! A hint to you: go early!
-Environmental Mama
I love the Farmer's Market! We have the big North Carolina State Farmer's Market less than 10 miles away and it is my favorite place to spend a Saturday morning or a weekday afternoon. Nothing beats fresh affordable produce & products and supporting local farmers & artisans. Where is the local Farmer's Market located down there?
Posted by: Erin | 08/17/2009 at 12:46 PM