x
Account
  • Sign In Sign In Create Account
    Sign In

    Forgot your password?

    Create Account
  • my Wishlist
  • Toll Free: (800) 869 9159
  • Customer Care
    • Contact Us
    • Help Center
  • My Account
    • Log in
    • Create an account
  • Rewards Program
  • Become a Humanized+ Member
  • Become a Humanized+ Member

Cart 0

Your cart is currently empty.

Continue Shopping

Total: $0.00

Or View Cart

  • Sign In Sign In Create Account
    Sign In

    Forgot your password?

    Create Account
  • my Wishlist
My Village Green
My Village Green

FREE SHIPPING! On online orders of $74+. Use code: SHIP74
This offer is for standard shipping available in the continental U.S.
Cannot be combined with any other offers.

  • My Account Log In
  • Brands
    Practitioner Brands
    • Pathway
    • Sinus Survival
    • Klaire Labs*
    • Kirkman
    • Metagenics
    • Nordic Naturals
    • Pure Encapsulations*
    • Thorne Research
    • Xymogen
    Top Brands
    • Megafood
    • Jarrow Formulas
    • Solgar
    • Nature's Way
    • Garden of Life
    • Life Extension
    • Bluebonnet
    • Derma E
    • Innate Response
    • Ollois
    Top Brands
    • Gaia Herbs
    • Herb Pharm
    • Boiron
    • Host Defense
    • Inika Organic
    • Carlson Labs
    • Enzymedica
    • Solaray
    • Renew Life

    * = Restricted Access Brands

  • Pathway Supplements
  • Categories
  • Consultations
  • Resources
    • Lab Testing
    • Rewards Program
    • Ask the Expert
    • Help Center
    • Pharmacy & Compounding
    • Medication Disposal Progam
    • Healthy Pets
    • Green Initiatives
    • Practitioner Brands
    • My Account
    • Create an Account
  • Education
    • Blog
    • Humanized - Your Health Personalized
    • Articles & Health Info
    • Radio Show Archive
Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts

Blog

5 Reasons to Love Farmers Markets

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Paula Gallagher

farmers-markets

I am big fan of farmers markets for so many reasons – but mainly because of the variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods and other fun things that are offered by people in my area.

Farmers markets serve as a way for people to purchase locally grown produce, and also provide a chance to connect with others within our communities. Purchasing local goods is an experience that promotes a sense of place and is important in helping people feel tied to their area.

Not only do farmers markets give us the chance to support local growers, but they are also great teaching opportunities for kids. Farmers’ markets allow us to talk to the growers and learn more about what it takes to get those green beans to our table. Local markets also give us a chance to discover new things, and even ask farmers for recipes. Letting kids pick their own fruits and vegetables is a simple way to encourage healthier eating, too.

Farmers markets also support the economy. The USDA estimates the total annual sales at U.S. farmers markets to be $1 billion. Not only that, studies show 60 to 70% of market-goers visit neighboring businesses on their way to and from the market.

Now is a terrific time to support your farmers markets and take advantage of nature’s bounty. Need more reasons?

1. Save gas.

Produce isn’t being shipped all over the country (or world) to get to your grocery store. Most vendors are with 100 miles of the farmers markets that they attend, therefore cutting down on pollution. The average distance our food travels is 1,500 miles, mostly by air and truck, increasing our dependence on petroleum. By buying locally, you conserve the energy that’s used for transport.

2. Less packaging.

You will notice that your household garbage produced from food wrapping/boxes/containers will be greatly reduced.

3. Freshness and peak flavor.

When you buy closer to home, it just plain tastes better and you feel a connection with the local organic farmers. Plus it’s more nutritious, since local produce is sold right after it’s picked.

4. Preserve genetic plant diversity.

Large commercial farms grow a relatively small number of hybrid fruits and vegetables because they can tolerate the rigors of harvesting, packing, shipping and storage. This leaves little genetic diversity in the food supply. Family farms, on the other hand, grow a huge number of varieties to extend their growing season, provide eye-catching colors and great flavor. Many varieties are “heirlooms” passed down through the generations because of their excellent flavor. Older varieties contain the genetic structure of hundreds or thousands of years of human selection and may provide the diversity needed to thrive in a changing climate.

5. Support local farmers.

The American family farmer is a vanishing breed – fewer than 1,000,000 people (less than 1%) of Americans claim farming as a primary occupation. It’s no wonder – it’s hard to make a living when you get less than 10 cents of every retail food dollar. By buying locally, the middleman disappears and the farmer gets full retail price, in turn helping farmers continue to farm.

Photo from here, with thanks.

  • Category_Green Living, farmers market, local, support local
← Older Post Newer Post →

Categories

  • Body Care & Beauty
  • Diet
  • Exercise
  • Green Living
  • Health Concerns
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Lab Testing
  • Nutritional Supplements
  • Pharmacy & Compounding
  • Stress Management & Lifestyle
  • Village Green News

Humanized Health - NEW!

Learn about personalized health from top experts! Check out our fascinating new shows every week, available as videos, podcasts and transcripts.:

  • How to Never Die of Heart Disease
  • Strategies to Improve Your Brain Health

Our Bloggers

  • Paula Gallagher
    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
    read more..
  • Margo Gladding
    Margo Gladding
    Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
    read more..
  • Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Neal Barnard
    Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
    read more..
  • Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
    Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
    read more..
  • Debi Silber
    Debi Silber
    Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
    read more..
  • Teri Cochrane
    Teri Cochrane
    Teri is a is a Certified Coach Practitioner with extensive certifications and experience in holistic medicinal practices.
    read more..
  • Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker
    Dr. Rav Ivker is a holistic family physician, health educator, and best-selling author.
    read more..
  • Susan Levin
    Susan Levin
    Susan writes about the connection between plant-based diets and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
    read more..
  • Rob Brown
    Dr. Rob Brown
    Dr. Brown's blended perspective of healthcare includes a deeply rooted passion for wellness and spiritual exploration.
    read more..

Other Contributors

Caroline Blazovsky
Heather Gunn
Jared Rice
Ellen Kittredge
Naz Amini
Carmen Ugas
Steve Stillwater
Farzin Farid
Joe Ailts
Scott O’Dell
James Brodsky, MD
Christine M. Gonzales
Beth Ritchie
Jim Fox

Invalid password
Enter
Stay Informed
Join our mailing list for the latest news & exclusive discounts + FREE shipping on your first order.
Learning Resources
  • Consultations
  • Green Initiatives
  • Pharmacy/Compounding
  • Humanized Health
  • Village Green Blog
Customer Care
  • Help Center
  • Return Policy
  • Best Price Guarantee
  • Privacy Policy
  • Leave a Review
General Information
  • Curbside Pick-Up
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Job Opportunities
stay connected

Village Green Apothecary
5415 W Cedar Ln
Bethesda, Maryland, 20814
(301) 530-0800
Toll Free: (800) 869-9159

© 2021 Village Green Apothecary - All Rights Reserved. The information provided on this site is not intended to be a substitute for advice or treatment from a qualified physician, nor is it intended to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Consult your physician prior to starting any new health program or if you any questions regarding a medical condition.
Loading...
Error
 

is added to your shopping cart.

is added to your wish list.

Close
Liquid error (message-modal line 32): Could not find asset snippets/icon-close.liquid
You have successfully subscribed!

 

Limited-Time Offers, End in

-
+
:
Close
Back to top