Farmers' market

Farmers' market

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Article Overview

Farmers' markets, sometimes called greenmarkets, are usually held out-of-doors, in public spaces, where local farmers can sell produce to the public. Farmer's markets help urban communities connect with local farmers reducing the the amount of transportation and storage required for fresh produce. Because of this, establishing greenmarkets has been an important goal for developing sustainable urban communities.

Benefits

Regional Economy

Purchasing food from local farmers supports the local economy and helps farmers to retain their livelihood.

Environment

Farmers markets can help fight global warming. By reducing the distance that food travels, fewer fossil fuels are used and fewer greenhouse gases are released. On average, an American meal travels 1500 miles to reach the dinner table. Farmers markets also avoid some of these costly packaging found in some stores. Most farmers markets are accessible by foot or bicycle, providing another way to reduce your carbon footprint.[1]

Health

Vouchers that permit low-income people to shop at a local farmers’ market increase fruit and vegetable consumption in poor families, a study shows. [2] In the study women told the researchers that the produce sold at markets seemed to be fresher and of higher quality than supermarket offerings. Many shoppers also said they enjoyed the pleasant community experience and the chance to interact directly with growers.[3]

ALSO ON THE LIVABLE STREETS NETWORK

REFERENCES

Each source is referred to by the same number every time it is cited. Please keep citation style consistent.

[1] Why buy local?

[2] Effect of a targeted subsidy on intake of fruits and vegetables among low-income women in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. American Journal of Public Health. 2008 Jan;98(1):98-105. Epub 2007 Nov 29.

[3]The Farmers’ Market Effect, New York Times, Jan 15, 2008.

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