Top 10 Reasons to Shop at Local Farmers Markets and Farm Stands

Submitted by Vanetta Conn, CHES

Family, Health & Well-Being Educator & CCE Communications Director

Cornell Cooperative Extension Franklin County

Each year staff from Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) in Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties work together to create an updated Guide to Local Food. We contact local farmers who offer their produce directly to the public through venues like Farmers’ Markets and Farm Stands. The guide provides information on the products available, hours of operation, and contact information including addresses, telephone numbers, websites and email. The three counties are divided into four regional areas to make it easier to local produce and more. Franklin County is divided into the Northern Adirondacks and the High Peaks Regions.

You can stop by the CCE office at Franklin County Courthouse to pick up your guide or look for it at the Malone Chamber of Commerce, local businesses and Offices for the Aging and more locations throughout Franklin, Clinton and Essex Counties.

10. Farmers markets are easy to find.

Be sure to visit your local farmers market this season! Malone Wednesdays, thru October 12, noon – 4:30 pm; Chateauguay Lakes, Saturdays, thru September 3, 10 am – 2 pm; Saranac Lake at the Fusion Market Tuesdays, thru September 27, 10 – 2; Saranac Lake Village Market at Riverside Park Saturdays, thru October 8, 9 am – 2 pm and at Harrietstown Hall October 15 – December 17 except Thanksgiving weekend; Tupper Lake Thursdays, thru September 22, 11 am – 3 pm. Visit http://www.adirondackharvest.com for a full listing of farmers markets in the Adirondack North Country Region. Or use the USDA Farmers Markets Search (http://bit.ly/2aGJAfi) to find one near you. Due to their flexible locations, some community farmers markets provide fresh, healthy foods when other sources aren’t as easily accessed.

9. SNAP and WIC cards are accepted at most farmers markets.

Visit https://www.mybenefits.ny.gov/ to learn more about programs for which you may qualify.

8. You can try a new fruit or vegetable!

Have you ever tasted gooseberries or rhubarb? Many farmers markets offer lesser known fruits and vegetables, providing a variety that can be both tasty and nutritious. Learn how to select the best quality, how to store, and about the nutritional values of these rarer fruits and vegetables (and some common ones, too) by visiting http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org or http://bit.ly/2aGKc4P.

7. Farmers often have good recommendations on ways to prepare their products.

For more inspiration, visit Fruits and Veggies More Matters (http://bit.ly/2aGK2uc) to see recipes using fresh fruits and vegetables.

6. Buy foods and see how they fit with ChooseMyPlate (www.choosemyplate.gov).

Create a healthy plate with goodies from your local farmers market. Visit different booths to pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as local dairy, grain and protein products so you can build your healthy plate

5. Farmers markets can be important anchors for vibrant communities.

Meet your local farmers, learn about foods grown in your area and catch up with friends and neighbors while stocking up with local goods. Supporting your local farmers market strengthens your community. Learn how farmers markets impact your community in this section of the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass at http://www.usda.gov/knowyourfarmer/.

4. It’s a great way to get your kids involved.

Let them pick out something new to try, then they can help prepare a meal or snack using these helpful tips at Kid Friendly Healthy Recipes or http://bit.ly/2aGLi0u.

3. Fresh fruit and vegetables are full of antioxidants and phytonutrients.

What are these? Why do we need them? More information at What’s in Food (http://bit.ly/2aGLVqE).

2. Shopping at farmers markets supports your local farmers and keeps the money you spend closer to your neighborhood.

Find a farmers market near you and plan your next shopping trip now! You can help new and/or smaller farmers be successful and help save farmland in your area.

1. Freshly picked ripe food is at its peak in flavor and nutrition.

Stop by your local farmers market today, learn about where your food comes from, and enjoy some delicious and nutritious food.

What if you don’t have a farmers market near you? Look for roadside farm stands. They sell many of the same fresh, seasonal foods that farmers’ markets sell. How convenient it is to just pull the car over and shop!

Cornell Cooperative Extension provides food and nutrition education in a variety of agriculture, 4-H and nutrition venues, such as farmers’ markets, county fairs, health and wellness events, community garden programs, and nutrition education programs and through county newsletters. Call us at (518) 483-7403 or visit our website, Franklin.CCE.Cornell.edu, to learn more.