Support Your Farmers Market!

It’s that time of year when everyone is abuzz about their local farmers market.  And what’s not to be excited about?  Walking through the farmers market always inspires me to try new recipes with the wide array of fruits and vegetables.  It also brings me back to my young childhood aspirations to be a farmer…I apparently moved onto new dreams after pre-K, growing out of my little farm set, becoming a through-and-through city girl.

But just because I’m a city girl doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate life on a farm, as well as the farming business.

In an effort to highlight the benefits of local farms and farmland, American Farmland Trust is holding an “America’s Favorite Farmers Markets Contest.”  Unfortunately, very few DC farmers markets are included.  It seems as though they needed to sign up, and few knew about it or took the time to send in their information.  More have shown up since I first checked the site last week, so keep checking back, and encourage your favorite market to sign up.

Even if your favorite market doesn’t show up before voting ends, go support your local farmers this summer. Carbon footprint debates aside, it’s good to support a local business, especially during tough economic times.  Farmers markets help build community, help small businesses, and can be a great way to learn about fruits and vegetables that you may have never thought to cook with before.  Next time you don’t recognize something on the table, ask the guy selling it what it is and how to eat it – you may find your new favorite food!

You can also encourage your local farmers market to sign up with the information here.