9 Jul 2008
With kids freed from school, the summer is a perfect time for the family to head outside to enjoy Green Hours together. Mom and dad still have chores to deal with, but one common errand -- grocery shopping -- can fit right into your Green Hour.
Summer means farmers markets are in full swing. These alternatives to conventional grocery stores offer fun ways for the family to buy fresh and nutritious food, learn about where it came from, and support the local agricultural community.
Be sure to talk to the farmers selling the locally-grown corn, apples, eggs, meat, and countless other goodies -- they really know their products. So often we have no clue how our food gets to our dinner table. These markets are also a great opportunity to teach your kids about making healthy food choices!
Partake of the free samples. Often farmers will entice customers with fresh bites of their products.
Enjoy the atmosphere. The hustle and bustle of outdoor markets is energizing. The direct relationship between grower and consumer creates a tangible feeling of community.
How to find farmers markets near you:
Local Harvest
USDA Farmers Market directory
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Also, check out this book about the joys of eating locally-grown food: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver, Camille Kingsolver and Steven L. Hopp. There's also a website that grew out of the book's success. |
