Urban consumers have more options outside of supermarkets for year round groceries. According to data released by the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, (USDA-AMS), farmers markets have steadily risen.
The reported 17% boost of farm production in the U.S. can mean year round consumer access to fresh foods and products in urban towns; usually limited to summer peak seasons.
Theresa Lam, a resident living in East Brunswick, N.J. and also a local board member working with the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission, has organized for the town’s first ‘Winter Farmers Market’. ‘I support the local food movement and with town support, vendors from local farms can come off season with healthy foods and products to our community’, said Lam.
The interest to start a local farmers market in her town, Lam explains, ‘Foods do not travel from long distances, they are organically produced, non-GMO, and therefore fresher and much better tasting.’
With the concept having farmers markets available year round, Lam continued ‘You get to know the farmers where their grass-fed beef are raised, meet the person who took the time to make the cheese, and know which farm the bees worked to make the honey.’
What can consumers come away from a ‘Winter Farmers Market? From direct farm-to-table, Lam says, ‘Fresh locally produced honey, cheese made from raw milk of cows or goats, artisan fresh breads, grass-fed raised beef, organic eggs and chickens will be sold to customers.’
With over 30 vendors slated for this farmers market, a bounty of assorted pickles, salsa, beers, homemade prepared soups, soaps, alpaca wool and local wines are sure to fill up the kitchen pantry.
Keeping your groceries and eating local will also support the local businesses and economy. To find one closest to you, go to the USDA–AMS, Farmers Market Search online.
Related Content:
7,175 Ways to Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food: Visit a Farmers Market,(USDA-AMS)
East Brunswick Winter Farmers' Market, Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission
East Brunswick Winter Farmers Market, Local Harvest
Farmers Markets Search, USDA-AMS
Comments