Green Living – Shop Local Farmers’ Markets

February 13th, 2013 by Loretta Lanphier, NP, BCTN, CN, CH, HHP

Green Living – Shop Local Farmers’ Markets

Spring is here, and in many areas, Farmers’ Markets are opening for business. Deciding to shop local Farmers’ Market is truly a green way of life. Not only will you be supporting family farmers and local growing, but food from our farmers is always fresh and generally safer, with many farmers choosing to use organic growing standards. A huge health benefit when you shop local farmers’ markets is that they have the potential to encourage consumers to change their diets and eat seasonally. And the taste of locally grown food, well, it stands above most everything you will find in your local grocery store!

Growth Increase in Farmers’ Markets.

In 2011 the USDA reported a 17 percent growth increase in Farmers’ Markets around the USA. According to Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan, “The remarkable growth in farmers’ markets is an excellent indicator of the staying power of local and regional foods. These outlets provide economic benefits for producers to grow their businesses and communities by providing increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables and other foods. In short, they are a critical ingredient in our nation’s food system.”

States with Most Farmers’ Markets.

The states with the most farmers’ markets are California, New York, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Iowa, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. Since 2010 Alaska and Texas ranked at the top for the most growth in farmers’ markets at 46 and 38 percent, respectively.

Affordability.

A survey of Vermont farmer’s markets found that prices for produce were comparable with or cheaper than supermarket prices for most conventionally raised vegetables. For organic items, the farmers’ market prices were almost 40 percent lower!

Knowing where your food comes from is becoming more important in this day and age of chemicals, GMOs, and food irradiation. I encourage you to take some time to find out the location of and then shop your local farmers’ markets — how about giving them a visit this weekend?  Below are some websites that can help you find your local farmers’ markets. Enjoy!

LocalHarvest

USDA Farmers’ Market search engine

Eat Well Guide – Connects you with local farmers, co-ops, farmers’ markets, and stores.

Member State Farmers Market Organizations

Farmersmarket.com/

Top US Farmers Markets Every Food Lover Should Visit

12 of the Biggest (and Best) Farmer’s Markets

BONUSHow To Pick Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Loretta Lanphier is a Naturopathic Practitioner, Board Certified Traditional Naturopath, Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner, and Certified Clinical Herbalist as well as the CEO / Founder of Oasis Advanced Wellness in The Woodlands TX. She has studied and performed extensive research in health science, natural hormone balancing, anti-aging techniques, nutrition, natural medicine, weight loss, herbal remedies, non-toxic cancer support and is actively involved in researching new natural health protocols and products.  A 20-year stage 3 colon cancer survivor, Loretta can relate to both sides-of-the-health-coin as patient and practitioner regarding health and wellness. “My passion is counseling others about what it takes to keep the whole body healthy using natural and non-toxic methods.” Read Loretta’s health testimony Cancer: The Path to Healing. Loretta is a Contributor and Editor of the worldwide E-newsletter Advanced Health & Wellness. Check out Oasis Advanced Wellness and our natural skin care products, Oasis Serene Botanicals.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace your doctor’s advice. Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth does not dispense medical advice, prescribe, or diagnose illness. The views and nutritional advice expressed by Oasis Advanced Wellness/OAWHealth are not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician of choice.

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