I love our local Collingwood Farmers market and have been attending it for the past 10 years. It’s become part of my Saturday routine, and is something that I recommend to people in my practice. While there are many benefits these three are my favourite reasons.
Fresh Food
See what you are buying, connect with growers, try new foods! Buy food that is freshly harvested, higher nutrient quality early in season you can also buy plants to grow your own!
Connection/Fun
See other people! Conversations, interactions with others good for our health
Low Toxicity
Food that is made locally has fewer pesticides (you can ask farmers their protocols). Markets also make it possible to get local animal products, animals who were treated humanely. Not to mention the non toxic personal care products and cleaners.
Getting out to your local farmer’s market gives you access to fresh, often handmade, products that aren’t readily available on store shelves. It is also great knowing that you’re supporting local businesses, and often, these businesses don’t have a storefront location. Markets are how they make the money they need to follow their passion making/growing/sharing quality, local items.
Want to learn more? Check out this Rock Your Health podcast about the benefits of markets.