Advantages of Farmer's Markets

Mayo Clinic Health System Health Note:

Farmer’s markets have been advertised as a healthier option to eat fresher, more varied foods during the growing season, but the benefits of buying from a local farmer don’t stop with your health. Buying local at a farmer’s market can be a great way to make a positive choice for the environment while at the same time strengthening your community.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the number of farmers markets in the U.S. has doubled in the last five years increasing from 4,685 in 2008 t0 8,144 in 2013. Farmer’s markets are full of colorful food like fruits and vegetables, and often include many handmade or homegrown items like flowers, crafts, and jewelry. By investing in farmer’s markets, you put your dollar directly back into people in your local community.

The majority of produce in the United States today was picked on average one week before being put on display in supermarkets, and usually traveled many miles to get there. The benefits of eating from a farmer’s market is that the foods have probably traveled less distance, and haven’t lost as many nutrients due to the length of time between picking and selling. In addition to being fresher and having more nutrients, farmer’s markets allow you to mix up your diet by trying many different foods you might not regularly be exposed to.

By checking out a local farmer’s market you can make a great choice for your health, the environment, and the local community.

From:
Amy Every
Senior Communication Consultant
Marketing Communications
Mayo Clinic Health System Franciscan Healthcare
700 West Avenue South
La Crosse, WI 54601
mayoclinichealthsystem.org