10 Reasons to Visit Your Local Farmer's Markets

It is summer and summer means Farmer's Markets are back. Here are 10 reasons to shop your local farmer's markets this summer.

1. It's local. Buying from local farms means supporting the local economy. You'll be helping support local families who grow and produce fresh foods.
2. It's fresh. There is nothing like the fresh factor of a farmer's market. The produce and other foods you find at a farmer's market are just picked, eggs are just laid, and breads and other foods are just baked. The freshness at these markets can't be beat.
3. Carbon. Everyone's talking about their carbon footprint and shopping at these markets is a great way to lower yours. By buying locally grown and made products, you reduce the transportation cost of these items and lower your carbon footprint.
4. Variety. When shopping at farmer's markets you'll be more apt to try new produce, and you'll also find varieties of produce that you'd never see at a grocery store. Try a new variety of tomato or some fancy radishes. You never know what new delicacy you'll discover.
5. In season. One of the benefits of the food being fresh is also finding food that is in season. Plus, eating in season foods is actually really good for you!
6. It's interesting. Walking through a farmer's market is always an interesting experience. You'll meet new people, learn new things and discover a whole different world.
7. It's fun for kids. Kids usually really enjoy farmer's markets because there is so much to see, learn and discover. Plus, it's very educational for them to learn about seasonally grown foods and where their food comes from.
8. Fresh air. Shopping in fresh air markets is another fun feature. It's just very different than walking through a supermarket produce section where it's very climate-controlled and all the vegetables have just been sprayed. 
9. Meet the farmers. It's a neat experience to meet the actual people who grew the food you're eating. It puts a face to your food and gives you the chance to meet some real salt of the earth individuals. 
10. It's healthy. As if eating vegetables wasn't healthy enough, you'll also find healthier vegetables that aren't sprayed with toxic pesticides and are grown organically a lot of the time. It's a double win for your health. And if you're going to eat healthy, you might as well maximize the benefits - otherwise just binge on chocolate. Kidding - just kidding!

Middletown Farmer's Markets

Middletown Farmer's Market
South Green on Old Church Street
Hours are July-October;  Tuesday & Thursday, 8:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Accepts WIC, SFMNP.

NEAT Farmer's Market
At Main and Liberty in Middletown, CT
June 14th-October; Fridays from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Double dollars program for WIC, SNAP, FMNP, and Senior Vouchers