One of my favorite summer activities is going to the farmers market. You have to be an early riser to get the good stuff. Fresh fruit and vegetables are the summers bounty! But farmers markets are not only fruit and veg, they now sell flowers, cheese, meat and a variety of hand crafts... The community comes together once a week in the summer. Then September/October hits and we head back to our houses to hibernate for the winter. But folks that doesn't have to be the case. I recently found out that one of my local farmers markets moves inside for the winter and has a winter market from November to February. I am heading over to Coventry High this Sunday to check it out.
The rise of the local farmer is abound. An industry that I once worried would be consolidated into corporate farming is coming back. Not only is it a great way to buy local but it has great health benefits too! In some communities you don't even have to go to the farmers market. Many farms have stands and year round stores. There are also subscription services. You sign up and every week/month you get a basket of fruit and veg. You get what you get and you don't get upset. So its not for someone not interested in trying new things but I have some friends that have used it and it really had opened them up and their kids get excited about it too. Sometimes these subscriptions are called CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and are a way to support our farmers in their growing all year long. Its also not just about fruit and veg. You can buy eggs, and meat too. At one farm you could by a half share and get 2 dozen eggs and 10 pounds of chicken a month for six months for just over $300. It also included a turkey for thanksgiving. All fresh and certified organic. I think that is pretty inexpensive...
So if your not the outdoorsy type and don't see yourself ever interested in visiting a farm or farmers markets. Your local and national grocery stores generally have a variety of local grown produce - so no excuses - check it out!
Coventry Farmers Market Info:
http://coventryfarmersmarket.com/winter-market/
Connecticut Community Supported Agriculture
http://www.ctnofa.org/CSAs.htm
Local Harvest is a website that may be able to direct you to resources in your area. They have a lot of information and were very helpful when writing this blog.
http://www.localharvest.org/
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