Farmer's Markets

There is no easier way to get up close and personal with all of the foods that you eat than to go to a farmer's market.  The past month, I have been visiting various markets in nearby towns and there is such a variation of turnouts.  It seems that the bigger cities in my region have the least attendants and the smallest ones are packed with farmers and vendors who have been working long before the market has even started. 

There is such dedication to bringing healthy, natural food and products to the people, but why is there such a sad turnout?  One big reason is a lack of knowledge about what is offered at the markets.  A lot of people seem to assume that farmer's markets will cost them more and have less quality than the grocery store will (which sometimes may be the case).  Other factors can be poor timing for the market or simply lack of information to the public about it.

Whatever the reason for poor turnout to the markets, I always encourage people to support local foods and businesses as much as possible.  The locals that surround you are not interested in taking advantage of anyone, and they are working as hard as they can to provide you with something of great value at these markets. 

I hope to see more people take advantage of the markets in the upcoming years.  The need to be in touch with the Earth has yet to lose its appeal to many, and a farmers market is just another way to fulfill that need.