The Task: We've always enjoyed Saturday morning trips to the farmers' market as a sort of novelty, but this year we want to start treating it more like a grocery store and less like a field trip!
The Why: A few nights ago, my husband was reading aloud to me and the children from Folks, This Ain't Normal by Joel Salatin
and Mr Salatin stated that the average morsel of food in our culture has traveled farther than the farmer who grew it. And that got us thinking and talking about how much is affected when the food system is dysfunctional.
and Mr Salatin stated that the average morsel of food in our culture has traveled farther than the farmer who grew it. And that got us thinking and talking about how much is affected when the food system is dysfunctional.
When we choose to shop at the farmers' market, we aren't just buying better food for our family, we are buying a better environment, a stronger local economy, and voting with our dollars for small-time farmers who are forced by nature and necessity to farm in a more sustainable manner.
My husband bought 5 different types of garlic! Most of us have probably only ever eaten 2 varieties! The woman who sold it to us told us about the different varieties and which were her favourites. Shopping the farmers' market encourages farmland biodiversity too!
The Verdict: I've heard people say that the cost of good food shouldn't matter because the earth and our health are important. In theory, I would like to agree with that, but the fact is that cost is a very real issue in our lives. I can only report on what I've experienced at my local farmers' market in my fertile corner of the Canadian landscape, but honestly, the farmers' market prices here are very similar to the grocery store. Some things, like meat and cheese and berries are much more expensive (and even so, there are ways to afford it. For example, I cannot afford a 17 dollar grass fed steak, but I can afford a couple pounds of grass-fed stew beef at 3.50 a pound!) But most of the veggies are reasonably priced. And oh so good.
We did stop off at the grocery store on the way home for some pecans and
milk (can't buy milk at the farmers' market. Or, if you can, I don't
know the right people and the secret password...) and we were quickly
reminded that the farmers' market is a far more enjoyable way to do the
grocery shopping!
This afternoon I'm headed to a party with some pretty pies I've made from fresh Ontario peaches and organic blueberries from a farm in town. Have I mentioned that I love summer?
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Oh, I do so wish we had a farmer's market in our little town! We do make use of other avenues to buy local products, but oh, to have a farmer's market like yours... Enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to go to a farmer's market for a while now. We used to live near 3 farmstands but moved an hour away. :'( After reading "7" by Jen Hatmaker (a MUST read!!), I've been wanting to go again. I know there's one on Sundays about 20 minutes away... I'm going to try & get there tomorrow after church.
ReplyDeleteMonica
Also, I never knew there were more than 1 or 2 varieties of garlic!!! We LOVE garlic but get the same kind at the store... I'm going to looking into that. :) (Monica, again)
ReplyDeleteWe've started treating the farmers market like the grocery store too. Ours is open several times a week, the biggest being Thursday nights. We've been going almost every week; I struggled with it for a while since I am not spending less for most things but rather about the same as grocery store prices. Then I realized that we are buying probably close to 75% of our weekly food there and it's fresh and much better! The farmer that we buy pastured meats from is also set up at the market so we're able to purchase while we're there. It's fun to get to know the farmers and they have begun to recognize us. Another perk of the market is that some will sell their over ripe/larger produce at a discount--got a big pile of peppers to freeze and a couple larger zucchinis last week for just a couple dollars!
ReplyDeleteI wish more folks would learn the power of the local farmer's market. The aid to the environment--less food travel. The more vitamins and nutrients in the food--picked FRESH. The flavor alone--most needs no additional spices--although fresh herbs only enhance. Sure you feel like you are paying more--mostly because you can't find a sale...you'll be paying less for your medical in the long run. Besides, doesn't it feel better to pay extra to the local farmer then for jet fuel and gasoline? Mmmm, fresh fruits and veggies! KMB Raleigh, North Carolina
ReplyDeleteWhere I live farmers' markets are over-priced and a middle class minority interest. For me simplifying has got to mean less time/energy spent on food shopping because this is an area I can easily get sidetracked by and start going down a rabbit hole of anxiety. But I think I'll take my children fruit picking which is a similar goal in a way and tons of fun!
ReplyDeleteYour pies look soooo delicious by the way. I am now craving pie!
ReplyDeleteYou take beautiful pictures :). Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIeva
Love farmers markets. We are fortunate her in Arizona to be able to have a garden almost year round. Enjoyed all the beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing. Hugs, Bobbi Jo
ReplyDeleteMaybe you are already thinking about this, but one way to make the meat more affordable is buying larger packs, or like 1/4- 1/2 cows. We are looking into a 1/2 cow with some friends and it will only be $5.50/lb...last us all year round, AND give us ground beef, roasts, and steaks....which make great stirfy for whatever veggies you have on hand.
ReplyDeletelove this blog and this challenge!!
I love the farmers market- I am fortunate enough to live in a part of the US that has many farms and I get my produce delivered once a week. It is wonderful, but I will surely miss it when we move to another state.
ReplyDeleteLast week I went to our grocery store, purchased a few produce items, and then stopped by the farmer's market to pick up a red onion. I had been before, but more for leisure (since it is only walking distance). After walking through this time, I directly compared the quality of produce and have decided for the rest of this summer, if I can get it at the market, that is where it is coming from. It was so much better! Plus, since I only want enough for the week (one red onion), I get better deals. They are willing to give me bargains. Sweet!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to keep up with the challenge! Thanks for doing this and sharing!!
May I ask where in Ontario you are? I think I recognize the Farmer's Market!
ReplyDelete