The start of a new year is often a time many people set new goals and resolutions. Maybe you are thinking about supporting local businesses, eating healthier meals, or just getting out into the community more often. If any of those are on your list, coming to the Durham Farmers' Market is a good fit!
While I'm sure you have plenty of reasons that you shop at the market, here are a few more to think about.
1. It's Good for the Environment.
On average food travels 1500 miles to get to your plate. On it's journey, large amounts of fossil fuels are burned for travel and lots of garbage is produced from extra packing materials that are needed for shipping. Food at the Durham Farmers' Markets travels a short distance with minimal packaging. All of our farmers and vendors are located within 70 miles of Durham! As an added bonus, food at the Market is often grown using more sustainable methods than what can be found at a grocery store.
2. Flavor and Freshness
Because of the short trip from the farm to the market, our farmers are able to choose varieties of vegetables for their flavors and texture and not for uniformity and durability in shipping. Our farmer's generally harvest their crops within 24 hours of the market, at the peak of ripeness and flavor. Food that is freshly picked is at its peak of freshness and is also at its peak of nutrition. So, fresh, locally grown food is both delicious and nutritious!
3. Supports Local Farmers and Local Economy
Farming is hard work and it is not easy to make a lot of money farming. Shopping directly from farmers eliminates the middleman and distributors, which can cut into the narrow profit margin that can be made by farming. Supporting local farmers also supports the local economy. Studies show that on average for every $100 spent at local, independent business, $68 stays in the local economy. When the same money is spent in a national chain only about $43 stays in the local economy.
4. Be Part of the Community
Every week in Durham, in North Carolina, and throughout the country, people come together at farmers' markets to buy food for the week. While they are picking up fresh greens, warm bread, a jar of locally made pickles, or a lovely handcrafted gift, they can also bump into their neighbors and friends; talk to their farmers and learn about local agriculture; take pictures; learn how to cook fresh food from local chefs; tap their toes to lively music; get a good dose of fresh air and sunshine; and have a picnic!
Here's to a wonderful, healthy 2013! Thank you for your continued support from year to year!!
See you at the Market!
Erin Kauffman
Market Manager
Fresh this Week....
VEGETABLES: Asian Greens, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Collards, Creasy Greens, Daikon Radish, Escarole, Fennel, Fresh & Dried Herbs (Cilantro, Dill, Mint, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley), Green Onions, Gourds, Jerusalem Artichokes, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Leeks, Mustard Greens, Napa Cabbage, Peppers - sweet and hot, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Rutabega, Radishes, Rapini, Salad Mix, Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Turnips, Turnip Greens, Greenhouse Tomatoes, Winter Squash and more
MEATS AND EGGS: VEAL, HAM, Beef, Bison, Chicken, Duck, Goat/Chevon/Cabrito, Lamb, Pork, Turkey, Duck Eggs & Chicken Eggs
CHEESES: Fresh and aged cow and goats milk cheeses.
FLOWERS & PLANTS: Landscaping Plants, House Plants
SPECIALTY ITEMS: PECANS, Raw Honey, Flour, Cornmeal, Grits, Baked Goods including Pies, Breads, Cookies & Pastries, Fermented Foods, Beer, Wine, Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Preserves, Pastas, Perogies, Wool
CRAFTS: Pottery, Jewelry, Handmade Baskets, Woodwork, Photographs, Hand-dyed Clothing and other items, Handmade Clothing, Goats Milk Soaps, Body Butters, Lotions, Yarn, Roving, and much more...
Produce availability depends on weather conditions
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