Public affairs: How local farmers markets benefit communities by Mattison Holland
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Along with the rest of the country, farmers markets have always been a part of East Texas tradition. These markets offer an assortment of goods to suit even the most random of needs. They can come in handy when you’re looking for essentials such as locally grown produce, fresh meats, flowers for a lover, or even just a few baked goods.
Farmers markets are very beneficial to communities. They can provide towns with supplies the near grocery stores might be lacking.
Not only do these markets provide their customers with basic necessities like fresh fruit and vegetables, but they also sell items like homemade goods, honey, gardening tools, and a few other useful things.
Street markets usually work in no particular fashion. However, most of the time farmers or whoever is offering business at these markets park their car and sell out of the trunk or maybe even have a table. Another way these events work is under little tents for each vendor.
One genuine benefit farmers markets have on districts is creating a sense of community. These markets allow people to come together and spend time with friends. They can even be an excuse to socialize with fellow neighbors or for taking a walk with some friends.
According to Pecan Squares website ¨A study conducted in Texas in 2012 found that when farmers market stalls were set up near low-income communities, fruit and vegetable consumption went up significantly. Community markets reduce the barriers to healthy eating for people living nearby.¨
Farmers markets are known for selling purely fresh products and as far as the research goes they’re fairly reliable when it comes to this factor. The goods are said to be fresh and the fruits and vegetables are plentiful in taste, color, size, etc.
Because you’re buying straight from local farmers and producers the products are healthier to consume. For example, the fruits and vegetables located at your neighborhood supermarket are probably full of dyes or some other substance it was injected with before it was placed on the shelves.
When you bring products home from the farmers market, “Soak them in salt or white vinegar solution for a few minutes and wipe thoroughly. Or scrub using baking soda and rinse with warm water. Peeling fruits and vegetables is the best way to make them safe to eat.¨ says the Hindustan Times.
Although we can’t always trust out local grocery store to provide us with pure produce, we can most definitely count on our local farmers. After all, farmers markets can be a fun excuse to escape the house for a little bit.
So, whatever need it may be make sure to check out your local farmers market because you just might find exactly what you’re looking for.
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By Mattison Holland
