Food security, sustainability, Farmer's markets and you

Sometimes, one can wonder how it feels to get produce directly from a farmer rather than having to go to a commercial supermarket and purchase it in a robotic fashion. Such goods are purchased from producers all over the world in bulk and transported to stores, involving a lengthy and complicated process that takes a lot of time and energy. All of this, but there isn’t always a guarantee that the produce arrives fresh. That’s where Farmer’s markets come in. 

As stated by the name, the Farmer’s market allows local farmers to sell their fresh food directly to customers. No long transportation process that takes up resources, no mixed-up produce, and there’s the reassurance that the food purchased is from people who know what they do. Furthermore, this also allows for direct interactions between the consumers and the farmers, which helps greatly in getting to know where their fruits, vegetables and more come from. The size of these farmers’ farms don’t cater to full-scale mass production as well, so their food is significantly better in quality compared to store-bought items. Finally, their direct interaction with customers lets them get all their income directly without third parties, middlemen, and such. By purchasing from a Farmer’s market, you know where your food comes from, if it is properly organic, and you support local farmers for what they are doing for your community. All at reasonable prices that won’t slash through your wallet. The best thing, however, is that Farmer’s markets support buyers from low income families as well with the EBT system.

The EBT system is a way for low income families to get more money to put food on the table, as it provides bonus money when a certain amount is withdrawn to buy food. If you sign up for EBT and you are eligible for it, it helps out greatly as it’s quite literally free money to an extent. For instance, at a Farmer’s market today, if you withdraw 10 dollars as EBT, then that amount is matched, so you get 20 dollars total to spend on food. During this difficult time period due to COVID-19, this helps people without much money to spare and farmers as well. Farmer’s markets are safe environments as well, with measures placed so that everyone can remain healthy and still buy fresh food. That being said, the best way to help out others that don't have much money is to be able to pay fully for the produce you buy. So, what are you waiting for? Visit a Farmer’s market today and get fresh food, while assisting farmers and those in need of food without much money. 

Below are a few more images to display a market in action, so do check them out and consider going to one to get groceries.

These pictures were all taken at Newark's Farmer's market. For a list of Farmer's markets and their locations, please visit these site pages below.

https://pcfma.org/
https://www.agriculturalinstitute.org/