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Farmers Markets
We know that for the freshest fruits and veggies and locally-made crafts, the farmer's market is often the best place to look. But how are farmer's markets an environmental issue?
Often, buying food from a Manitoba farmer's market means buying food from a local farmer. This means that the food has traveled fewer kilometres, thereby using fewer fossil fuels in its transportation, which significantly affects the amount of greenhouse gases going into the atmosphere, not to mention the other evironmental hazards associated with extraction and use of fossil fuels.
Farmer's markets are also a chance to talk directly with the people who grow your food. Establishing this connection helps to build community and helps to create stronger relationships between urban and rural folks. Supporting local farmers means that life on the farm is more viable for rural dwellers, hence allowing rural communities to be more self-sufficient.
Meeting your farmer has other implications, too. You can have a chat with them about the ways in which the food was grown, and learn more about the realities of farming. Becoming aware about what food production is like puts us in touch with our food, and helps contribute to a higher quality of life in our communities. Does the farmer you are buying from practise in ways which you feel comfortable with? If not, why not? Exploring these questions becomes a community experience, and helps us to build stronger and more sustainable communities.
And - locally grown food is fresher, tastier and healthier!
Considerations
- Not all food sold at farmer's markets is grown locally. Some of it is imported, and then re-sold here in Manitoba. If buying locally grown food is important to you, make sure you ask.
- Sometimes farmers aren't able to bring all of their products to market, but would be willing to make arrangements to sell directly from their farm. Have a conversation!
- Buying from a farmer's market generally means buying food when it's in season, and when it's available. It can be helpful to remember that this means you won't always be able to buy exactly what you were looking for - but you might find a special surprise, too! Ask questions about recipes and ways to prepare the fruits and vegetables you find, and learn something new!
- Each farm is different. Some farms are unique in that they are attempting to grow food in ways that are healthier and safer for the earth and for the eater. Having conversations with growers allows you to learn about what practices are in use. Keep asking questions, and learn as much as you can to feel comfortable about what you are buying.
- It's not just veggies who travel from farm to fork - we travel too, when we head to the market! Choose an active or green mode of transportation like walking, cycling or taking public transit for your market trip! If the market you know is difficult for you to get to, consider supporting one that's closer to where you live or work. What about helping to start a new market if there isn't one near you? Sharing a bike trailer with a friend for big market shopping days?
Further Suggestions
- Find a time that you like to be at the market. Does it work best for you to go after work, or early on a Saturday morning? Do you like the bustle of a busy market teeming with happy folks who love their veggies? Or do you prefer a quiet, peaceful market with a chance to chat with your friends? Make your market experience something to look forward to.
- Take care of your veggies and fruits. Farmer's markets aren't usually equipped with refrigerators - and they don't need to be, since you're buying fresh, local food just harvested from the land. If you're going to be out for a long time, or if your bus or your bike panniers will get hot for longer than half an hour, buy your leafy green vegetables right before you pack up to leave. They tend to wilt in the summer heat, so it's a good idea to get them into a cool, shady place as soon as possible. When you get home, you can trim their stalks and quickly place them in a container of cool water, which should help to revive them.
- Try something new! Even if you’ve got your favourite items already, give yourself some time to look around and relish in the environment of the market. People have gathered together at marketplaces very similar to this for thousands of years – so it’s both a new and an historic experience! There are often events happening on market day, such as performances and entertainment, special contests, and often tasters available at different stands.
- Remember the crafters! Artisans are a frequent staple at markets, selling and trading their wares that are often hand- and home-made. Supporting local artists and crafters is a great way to encourage community and local investment in economy. Talk to the artisans about their materials, think about what you need vs. what you want, and remember that there are lots of ways you can encourage local thinking and living (maybe even have your own stall at the market?).
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