Join the Locavores!
Loca-what?!
Locavores are sweeping the nation- by foot and corn oil operated vehicles of course. What is a locavore? You ask. Well, I’m glad you asked. A locavore is a person who consumes food that has been made locally and did not have to travel a great distance to get to them. One of the easiest ways to get your hands on some delicious local fare is to head to a farmers market. Many people can think of countless reasons to not go to the farmers market, but I’ve taken it upon myself to tell you the many reasons why you should.
You can taste before you buy.
For the majority of goods sold at farmers markets you can get a little nibble before you buy. Even if there isn’t a tasting table out, ask for a sample. Unless you’re going to the ever amazing Costco and have hit the time when those amazing tables are out divvying free samples, you won’t be able to do this in many other places.
It’s less expensive.
When there are less middle men it takes a few cost factors out of the equation. At many farmers markets you are dealing directly with the farmer or with someone who works at the farm, so they don’t need to factor in the various costs of transportation and packaging. If a price isn’t listed, try to do some haggling. In any case, more often than not the scales will tip in your favor. The cashier at Stop & Shop most definitely will not round down on any of your costs. The owner of a local business has much more freedom with his or her prices.
Some local foods can help with local allergy symptoms.
It’s been said that consuming locally produced honey can decrease allergy symptoms. Take this medical advice with a grain of salt and a spoon full of local honey, because I am definitely not a doctor.
You’re supporting Rockland’s economy.
Farmers markets put money in the pockets of the farmers and their employees, as well as to the businesses which immediately surround the market. It’s a winning situation for all.
It’s better for the environment- large and small scale.
I know, I know, this is a tired reason. It is true nonetheless. When food isn’t traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles to get to the supermarket, all of that gas is saved. When you head to an outdoor farmers market, electricity is saved. If you are one to measure your carbon footprint, a trip to the farmers market instead of the supermarket measures a long way.
“They’re only in New York City, I’m not going all the way over there!”
That is where you are wrong! The Village of Haverstraw is back again for another summer of Sunday farmers markets. Starting in early June and going through mid autumn there will be a farmers market in downtown Haverstraw. The street is closed off and there is ample parking. After you’ve picked up your fresh fruits, veggies, honey and bread you can head over to Bella Rosa Cafe for a slice of home baked banana bread and a Silver Tip tea from the far reaches of Tarrytown. How local is that?
Other Rockland County Farmers Markets to check out:
Suffern
Nyack
Piermont
Spring Valley
Which markets have you visited?
We should be adopting these methods in our schools! How great would it be to educate students by farming to supply their lunches?
It costs a lot more to have huge conglomerate companies take their engineering and technology out of food than it does to go straight to a trusted local source.
I love the term locavore!! You bring important attention to how beneficial it is for our lives, our bodies, our environment, and our farmer’s to eat locally.