Celebrating National Farmers’ Market Week by Jodie Fitz
It is National Farmers’ Market Week and we are celebrating all things local at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market like we do each and every week! Farmers markets are vital to the health of our communities, economies, and the environment. They create access to fresh food, empower local farmers and small businesses, and help to build meaningful community connections. Here are some reasons to celebrate our local Saratoga market;
- Farmers markets offer one of the few low-barrier entry points for new and beginning farmers and many small businesses.
- They allow growers and producers to test products, connect directly with customers, and grow sustainable businesses.
- Farmers Markets help to keep farmland active and rural economies strong. Small family farms can struggle to compete with large agribusiness. Buying from markets helps keep them going and growing.
- Buying local puts more money back into the community and helps to create local jobs.
- The produce you buy is fresh-picked at peak ripeness, not shipped across the country, or stored for weeks. Shopping seasonly is part of nature and buying locally grown has been proven to limit waste while offering diverse produce items you don’t often find in chain stores.
- Many grocery store foods are highly processed. Market food items, other than produce, are minimally processed, and typically packed without preservatives.
- You’ll find meat, eggs, and dairy from animals raised without hormones, in open pastures, and on natural diets.
- You can discover locally made and hand-crafted items that are unique to the area.
Build a relationship with the people who grow, make your food and sell other locally made items. Learn their practices, their values, and their stories. Ask them how they like to use their products and discover new ways to enjoy local foods and goods from your local experts. It creates a sense of community and a unique shopping experience.
This week’s recipe: Tomato Galette
Market News:
- Free Kids Club every Wednesday at High Rock Park with different themes, stay tuned at the website and in the market’s social media (Facebook & instagram)
- Yoga at he Market on Wednesday, August 20th
- Save the Date for the ‘La Petite Flower Fest’ – Coming Saturday, August 23rd
- Support the market and sponsor a lantern for the Festival of Lanterns at the market coming in September. Your donation supports the market which is a 501(c)3 organization. The funds support the free events the market provides along with helping to cover rising administrative costs.
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open:
Mondays | 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Shenendehowa Methodist, Route 146 Clifton Park
Wednesdays | 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturdays | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
High Rock Park, Downtown Saratoga Springs
Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket. And, don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.
