Why shop your local community farmers’ market?

Are you having trouble finding

fresh produce that wasn’t shipped from far away? Do you want access to tasty

whole foods? Try your local community farmers’ market! There are many other

reasons to shop at your community farmers’ market.

It’s local.  Supporting your local growers and farmers is supporting your

local economy, and it reduces the use of fossil fuels in transportation of

food.

It’s less expensive.  Organic or naturally grown produce is

usually more affordable at the farmers’ market than at the supermarket. Many

farmers grow foods that are pesticide and herbicide free. The advantage at the

farmers’ market is that you have a chance to talk with the farmer, learn about

his methods, and then decide for yourself.  Many growers will allow you to visit their farms to learn

more.  It’s a great way to spend a

few hours!

It’s seasonal.  You will eat fresh and ripe foods that

are in season and grown locally. They are usually picked that day or the day

before for the freshest produce around. Farmers’ markets may have more

varieties or different varieties of produce than supermarkets can carry.

It’s safer.  Foods from local farmers’ markets are generally safer.  Most of the contaminated food outbreaks

have occurred in large industrial setups where food is mass produced.

It’s tastier.  Locally grown tastes so much better –

period.

It’s healthier. Buy some local

honey. It has the right components for allergy prevention in our own local

area.

It’s fun!  Meeting your friends and family at your community farmers’

market is fun, and meeting new friends is a great way to be connected with the

world while increasing your health for mind, body and spirit.

The Perry Farmers’ Market “Good

food, good prices, good community spirit!” The Perry Farmers’ Market begins

Saturday, May 4 and runs through Saturday, September 28. Hours are 8 AM to noon

each Saturday, located at 1121 Macon Rd, Perry, behind the Perry Arts Center. A

great way to spend a Saturday morning is buying fresh foods and listening to

local music by Roland Fall. For more information, please contact Mary Beth Bass

at 478-508-1571.

The International City Farmers’ Market This

market in Warner Robins is every Thursday from 1 PM to dusk all year long on

Watson Blvd. and Maple St. by Perkins Field. The goals are to support local

growers, enhance community spirit, and promote eating whole foods and keeping

physically fit.  A Master Gardener

will be on hand the second Thursday in each month to answer your gardening

questions and give you research-based information as well as news of area

gardening events. ICFM collaborates with many local organizations and

businesses to help meet these goals. The market accepts cash, credit cards, and

SNAP (EBT) benefits. A partnership with Wholesome Wave GA allows the market to

DOUBLE the SNAP benefits on food purchases at this market. There is something

always going on at the market. Check our website, www.internationalcityfm.org or our facebook page for

the latest happenings. For more information call Jodi Daley at 478-225-7626.

Dates to Remember:

March 15-16:  Master

Gardeners of Central Georgia Plant Sale, Farmer’s Market, Macon

April 6-7:  Spring Home

& Garden Show, Georgia National Fairgrounds, Perry

April 13-14:  Ask a Master

Gardener booth at the Perry Dogwood Festival

April 27:  Ham & Egg

Breakfast, C.W. Pettigrew Center, FVSU

 

For more

information on any program area, contact Houston County Extension at

478-987-2028 or drop by our office in the old courthouse, downtown Perry, 801

Main Street.   Office hours

are 8:00-11:30 AM and 12:30-5 PM, Monday through Friday.  Visit our website at http://www.caes.uga.edu/extension/houston/ for more news

about your local Extension office.

HHJ News