Even though South Florida’s farmers markets are in their low season compared to their counterparts in most of the rest of the United States, there’s plenty of local produce to celebrate this time of year: tropical fruits – jackfruit, avocado, late-season mango, starfruit, canistel, longans, dragonfruit, passionfruit, bananas, guava, mamey sapote – plus collards, bilimbi, okra, longevity spinach, nopales, herbs and more.
And don’t forget about the foods made from local produce, like smoothies and shakes, fruit breads and dried fruits, guacamole, kombucha, pickles and other ferments.
Your neighborhood farmers market is the place to shop for local honey, artisan breads and pastries, skincare products like scrubs and balms, spice blends and chocolates made by artisans in the community. When you shop locally, you’re supporting hardworking farmers and making sure what you’re eating is at its freshest.
Why Shop at Your Farmers Market?
It’s good for the local economy. Locally owned retailers, such as farmers markets, return more than three times as much of their sales to the local economy compared to chain competitors.*
You’re helping preserve farmland and rural livelihoods. The U.S. loses an acre of farmland a minute to development.*
You’re part of a healthier, more connected community. Studies of Los Angeles farmers market shoppers reveal that 75% came to market to do more than shop, 55% felt the market increased their connection to community, 99% believed the market improves the health of the community, and 53% believed the market improves perceptions of the neighborhood.*
You’re promoting sustainability. Locally or regionally sourced produce travels about 27 times less distance than conventionally sourced produce. Farmers selling at markets minimize the amount of waste and pollution they create. Many use organic practices, reducing the amount of synthetic pesticides and chemicals that pollute soil and water, and adopt other low-impact practices, such as on-site composting, that help mitigate climate change and other environmental issues.*
*Source: Farmers Market Coalition
National Farmers Market Week
How Can You Support Your Farmers Market?
First, become a regular customer! Get in the habit of shopping for your produce at the market instead of at the grocery store.
Tell your neighbors and friends to meet you at the market. Bring the family. Many markets are pet-friendly, too. It’s a great place to socialize!
Get to know your farmers and your vendors. Unlike impersonal delivery services, farmers markets give you the chance to meet the people growing and making the food you eat. Forge new friendships. Learn about unfamiliar fruits and vegetables and how to prepare them.
