When you’re trying to eat healthy, it pays to seek out the freshest, most unprocessed foods you can find. One way to do that is to connect with a local farmers market or community supported agriculture program.
Farmers Markets
Regional, multi-stand farmers markets give you regular access to locally grown, farm-fresh produce. They also give both you and the farmers a chance to connect over the food you eat.
Farmers markets vary what they sell; many focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, while others also offer baked goods, dairy items, locally raised meat and eggs, flowers and even crafts. Shopping at farmers markets is a good way to help local businesses and economy. You can also try a new fruit or vegetable, and farmers often have recommendations for preparing their foods.
Find a comprehensive list of local farmers’ markets at Local Harvest or the USDA Farmers Markets Search.
Community Supported Agriculture
A CSA is a network of people who pledge support to one or more local farms so that the farmland becomes a community farm. That means growers and consumers alike share the risks and benefits of food production. CSA members, or “shareholders,” usually pay a fee at the beginning of the growing season and then receive shares of produce throughout the harvest season.
You can find a CSA Farm in your area by checking out the U.S. Department of Agriculture website on CSAs.
For people who live in the San Francisco Bay Area, one local CSA is called Farm Fresh to You. Created by Capay Organic farm, Farm Fresh to You delivers fresh, organic produce to your home or office.
Why Eat Seasonally?
- Fruits and vegetables picked seasonally, when they are naturally ripe, are at their peak of nutrition, so they provide more health benefits than fruits that are imported or out of season. They are also at their peak of flavor, so they taste delicious.
- Eating seasonally generally means eating locally grown foods, which helps the local economy. It also helps the environment by cutting down on transportation, pollution and your carbon footprint.
- Seasonal produce is usually less expensive, so you save money when buying.
The USDA provides information on what foods are ripe in which season.
The American Heart Association lists seasonal produce and tips for shopping and using what you buy.