- Author: Carissa Villanueva
Image Source: http://bit.ly/2oIjsVS
We are so lucky to be living in the Central Valley, where local and fresh produce are at our fingertips! Spring, summer, and fall are perfect times to get some fresh air and check out your nearby farmers markets! Below are the top 10 reasons to shop at a farmers market, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA):
- Freshly picked, in-season produce is at its peak in flavor and nutrition. Check out Plate Fresno's Seasonal Produce Guide.
- Support Central Valley farmers, small businesses, and local economy. Your healthy purchases help the Valley's farmland to thrive!
- A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables nourish our body with antioxidants and phytonutrients, which help strengthen our bodies, fight off disease, increase our energy, and keep our minds sharp.
- It's a great way to engage your kids in picking out healthy ingredients or snacks. Many kids enjoy cooking up recipes with fresh fruits and vegetables! Check out some kid-friendly recipes and ideas at Kids in the Kitchen.
- Strengthen your local community ties by meeting local farmers, learning about foods uniquely grown in the Central Valley, and running into a neighbor or two.
- Farmers markets offer lots of yummy choices to build your healthy MyPlate.
- Farmers know their products very well and often have recommendations for preparing them in the kitchen.
- Unsure about the taste of a new fruit or vegetable? Farmers will usually offer free samples to help you (and your child) choose your produce.
- SNAP and WIC benefits are accepted at some farmers markets.
- Farmers markets are all around us and easy to find. Check out Plate Fresno's interactive map: Fresno County Farmers Markets and Farm Stands. Just enter your zip code to find the nearest farmers markets and farm stands!
The timing's right so get out there and take advantage of the unique opportunity that the Central Valley offers!
- Author: Consuelo Cid
- Contributor: Evelyn Morales
- Editor: Emily Harris
Do you find shopping at a Farmers Market too intimidating? Need help getting started?
Have no fear!
UC CalFresh and Pete, the MyPlate Superhero, will help you get started!
Why shop at a Farmers Market?
Farmers Markets support our farmers and our local economy while increasing our access to fresh, nutritious, and locally grown fruits and vegetables!
How can I stretch my food-buying dollars when shopping at a local Farmers Market?
~~ Market Match ~~
Market Match is California's healthy food incentive program that will match your CalFresh dollars up to $10 when you purchase fruits and vegetables! That means your $10 CalFresh EBT budget, for fruits and vegetables, can double up to $20. That's more money for delicious and nutritious fruits and vegetables!
Look for the Market Match tent at select Farmers Markets to get started!
Want to buy non-fruit and non-vegetable products using your CalFresh EBT card? No problem! Select Farmers Markets will also allow you to use your CalFresh EBT and WIC benefits to buy food. Click here to find a Market near you and find out what Market Match incentives they offer!
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Pete, the MyPlate Superhero, is happy to hear that Californians can make healthy choices at Farmers Markets near them. Let's follow Pete as he navigates his first Farmers Market: The Market on Kern.
Pete can't help but be excited. Just look as he takes flight!
Pete's first stop is the Market Match tent. He wants to make the most out of his food dollars. Shopping smart is how Pete likes to roll.
It looks like kale has caught Pete's attention. Kale is an excellent source of Vitamin A and C, and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber.
Is there anything better than ripe fruits? Pete suggests having a sweet and juicy fruit as a snack or dessert! Yum!
Pete knows tomatoes can be confusing: are they a fruit or a vegetable? Pete notes that they are a vegetable on MyPlate, and so good for you! Try adding this delicious vegetable in your everyday meals and let us know how it goes. Pete would love to hear all about it!
Pete loves to share his knowledge about MyPlate. Pete reminds Nutrition Coordinator, Evelyn Morales, about the importance of making fruits and vegetables half your plate!
Come visit the Market on Kern, open every Wednesday, 9am to 2pm, now through October.
Summer is a great time to explore your local Farmers Market. Who knows, you may run into Pete!
Visit the Ecology Center for a Farmers Market near you.
Happy Shopping!
-Pete, the MyPlate Superhero
