Market Shopping Tips

• Shop market first for the highest
• Quality food at great prices!
• Music and events each week!
• Family friendly: Bring the kids!
• Bring your bags to help the Earth!

Each Month Enjoy a Taste of the Market!

Sample Delicious Foods Made with Ingredients Exclusively From the Farmers’ Market Prepared by these Local Food Establishments~

The Old Mill Pub
The Empire Grill
The Blueberry Cupboard
SAHS Culinary Art Students

Ten Reasons to Buy Local
1. LOCALLY GROWN FOOD TASTES BETTER!
The average distance food travels is 1500 miles resulting in loss of sweetness and crispness.

2. LOCAL PRODUCE IS BETTER FOR YOU!
Studies have found that produce loses nutrients quickly! The fresher it is the better it is for you,

3. LOCAL FOOD KEEPS YOUR TAXES IN CHECK!
On average, for every $1 in revenue raised by residential development, governments spend $1.17 on services, thus requiring higher taxes for all taxpayers. For every $1 of revenue raised by farms, forest, or other open space on 34 cents is spent on services.

4. LOCAL FOOD PROTECTS GENETIC DIVERSITY!
Local farmers grow a huge array of varieties of produce and animals that are pleasing to the eye in color and have the best flavor. Large farms far away grow only one variety that has a long shelf life.

5. LOCAL FOOD GMO-FREE!
Although biotechnology companies have been trying to commercialize genetically modified fruits and vegetables, they are currently licensing them only to large factory-style farms. Local farmers don't have access to genetically modified seed, and most of them wouldn't use it even if they could.

6. LOCAL FOOD BUILDS COMMUNITY!
When you buy direct from the farmer, you are re-establishing a time-honored connection. Knowing the farmers gives you insight into the seasons, the weather, and the miracle of raising food. Relationships built on understanding and trust can thrive.

7. LOCAL FOOD PRESERVES OPEN SPACE!
As the value of direct-marketed fruits and vegetables increases, selling farmland for development becomes less likely. Our farm landscape will survive only as long as farms are financially viable.

8. LOCAL FOOD SUPPORTS LOCAL FARM FAMILIES!
With fewer than 1 million Americans now claiming farming as their primary occupation, farmers are a vanishing breed. The farmer now gets less than 10 cents of the retail food dollar. Local farmers who sell direct to consumers cut out the middleman and get full retail price for their food - which means farm families can afford to stay on the farm, doing the work they love.

9. LOCAL SUPPORTS THE ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE!
A well-managed family farm is a place where the resources of fertile soil and clean water are valued, which support wildlife. According to some estimates, farmers who practice conservation tillage could sequester 12-14% of the carbon emitted by vehicles and industry.

10. LOCAL FOOD IS ABOUT THE FUTURE!
By supporting local farmers today, you can ensure there will be farms in your community tomorrow and that future generations will have access to nourishing, flavorful and abundant food!