10 Reasons to Shop at a Farmer's Market

This post, 10 Reasons to Shop at a Farmer's Market was sponsored by Fresh From Florida as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central, however all opinions expressed are my own.

As you may know I have focused on getting my family to eat more fruits and vegetables.  When I had an opportunity to work with Fresh for Florida I was so excited.  We are lucky to have a farmer's market right down the street from our home every weekend.  Yesterday we finally made it to the Boca Raton GreenMarket and I think it is going to be our new weekend tradition.  B loved it so much that she wanted to go back a second time to get flowers too.  I wanted to share the top 10 reasons to shop at a Farmer's Market and of the highlights from our experience. 

10 Reasons to Shop at a Farmer's Market

1. 1. 1. Shop Locally  

         When you shop local more money is kept in your community.  Local businesses often purchase from other local businesses. Therefore buying locally helps grow other businesses as well as support your city with local taxes. 

      2. Save Money 

         Prices of the produce is less expensive than shopping at the grocery store.  Lower prices is an unexpected treat when I went to check out.

      3. Fun 

         The Farmer's Market had a band playing live music.  That combined with the shopping on a beautiful day made it such a fun shopping experience.

      4. Connect you to the community

         Shopping a the farmer's market connected us to the community.  It was inspiring to see so many business there selling their products. Over 45 vendors share fresh produce, plants, bakery items, fresh flowers, cheeses, fish & seafood, doggie treats, soaps & lotions, processed food, and much more for shoppers.

      5. Healthy  

         Enjoying food fresh from the farm eliminates the fear of issues like the recent outbreaks of E. coli in bagged spinach. 

      6. Eat Seasonally 

         When you shop at the local farmers market, you can enjoy the ripest fruits and vegetables.  Because it is local, farmers are able to pick them at the optimal time. 

      7. Great Taste 

         Produce from the Farmer's Market tastes so much better than produce from the grocery store.  Both fruits and vegetables remain intensely flavored, juicy, and crisp. 

      8. Fresher Fruits and Vegetables 

         The food from your local farmers market is, quite frankly, fresher. Produce grown locally, and purchased from the farmer is often harvested just days before. This is virtually impossible in a big supermarket. 

      9. Conserve Natural Resources

         I remember the first time I had an orange from South Africa.  It was very eye opening to me because we live in Florida, the sunshine state, that is known for citrus.  It is sad to think how much gas was used. And the pollution that caused to transport that orange all the way from South Africa.

      10. Keep Small Farms Viable 

          I recommend watching the Fresh from Florida videos.  I love seeing the families that you support by buying Florida Fresh products.  The Bedner's Farm video was extra special for us because it is a farm we go to to get pumpkins and to tour the fields.

Looking for more inspirations or recipes?  Follow Fresh From Florida on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or their website.

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