When the seasons turn from spring to summer, memories of Mother’s Day and flowers become harbingers of a more vibrant experience – summer. Children are eager to feel the sun on their faces and swim in the refreshing water. Adults crave the smell of barbeque and the long hours of sunlight. Everyone looks forward to tasting the freshest produce of the year; the juiciness of strawberries, the tart taste of blackberries, and the satisfying squish of tomatoes pale in comparison to the offerings of summer foods. For many people, farmers markets are the way they access the freshest and brightest summer produce. 

According to the Farmers Market Coalition, “A farmers market is a public and recurring assembly of farmers or their representatives selling the food that they produced directly to consumers.” Farmers markets consist of the direct exchange of goods between producer and consumer, in a way that is unoriented towards tourists or travelers. For various producers, farmers markets are a source of income, one needed to establish their livelihood. Fernandez Farms, a produce seller at the Issaquah Farmers Market, has attended the market since 2008. Farming is their main job, and the farmers market is the way they make their living. In recent years, farmers markets have expanded, building beyond basic produce, into places with baked goods, artisan wares, and even rickety seating and live music. The bustle of an early morning farmers market has become a symbol of healthy eating, local support, and generous community. 

60 years ago, most food was produced a maximum of 100 miles away. Now, food often travels over 1,500 miles before reaching its selling destination. In contrast, local food is produced from less than 400 miles away and often bought directly from a farmer or produced in a similar environment to your current accommodations. Seasonal and local foods are typically better for the human body. 

Eating seasonal foods establishes dietary nutritional variety and optimizes health benefits from food.  AFPA Fitness says, “Dietary variety is essential for getting vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other phytonutrients you may not usually get when you stick to a handful of fruits and vegetables year-round.” Food diversity is the key to combating micronutrient deficiencies. Eating on a seasonal schedule ensures that the most seasonally advantageous nutrients are consumed, and that food supports well-being. Oftentimes, food serves as a thoughtless necessity, instead of a contemplative choice intended to optimize health and combat seasonal symptoms. Nature’s Path explains that “Berries are full of antioxidants that help protect your skin from summer sun damage. [And] potatoes and butternut squash are chock full of nutrients to keep you warm and nourished over the harsh winter months.”  

However, seasonal benefits are only beneficial when the nutrients in produce is maintained. According to CNBC, “Nutrients in fruits and vegetables oxidize over time and lose value as days go by, says Reyna Franco, a registered dietitian nutritionist in New York – and farmers market produce typically goes from the farm to a store shelf within 24 hours. By contrast, supermarket fruits and vegetables can take much longer to arrive on shelves, especially produce grown in far-away locations. Foods that are not in-season in your state probably have additives to keep them fresh for long periods of time.” These nutrients are the components of a successful diet. But just like grocery stores, farmers market produce is still not perfect. 

Assessing produce before purchase will prevent many mishaps. Johns Hopkins says that when attending farmers markets, people should “avoid produce with wet or sticky leaves, and keep an eye out for produce that is changing color, such as green veggies that are turning yellow. Be on the lookout for mold, and avoid produce that smells foul or bitter or that is abnormally soft.” Checking the bottom of a raspberry container may be a ritual for many people. At the farmers market, mold is not often hidden, but checking is never a disservice.  

Farmers markets are typically understood for their fresh and nutritious produce, while grocery stores are known for convenience, lower prices, and copious array of items. Freshman Matthew Finnigan says, “There are different benefits to [the farmers market and grocery store]. For the most part, the reason people buy things from convenience stores is because of the convenience. It is easier to go to one place that has everything you need then walk around farmers markets and find all the specific things you need to buy.” Simply, grocery stores carry a larger variety of produce. Instead of choosing either the farmers market or the grocery store, chose a combination of both. 

According to CNBC, “The cost of eating at home has increased by 12.2% since June 2021, according to the U.S. Bureay of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPII)> that’s part of an overall 10.4% increase to the cost of food, which also includes the cost of meals out.” Due to this rising inflation, many people are thinking of way to cut costs while grocery shopping. However, the gap between farmers market prices and grocery store prices is closing. With the added nutritional value of most farmers market produce, it may be worth it to consider still buying produce from the farmers market. Senior Veronica Lepekhina says, “One is not better than the other. I feel like it is good to do both because farmers markets are not always around. They tend to be a spring and summer-kind of thing. Farmers markets are often small businesses which are really good to support and in grocery stores you can buy stuff in bulk. 

In addition to nutrition, farmers markets support the local economy and community connections. Farmers market create a copious amount of local jobs. All produce is produced, processed, and distributed locally. Money stays in the local economy and farmers can meet the growing demand for local produce without shipping or storage control. Supporting a farmers market is supporting local businesses. Large companies supply the U.S. with the majority of its produce. Sophomore Hugo Buckley says that “it is important to support local businesses because we need to help keep smaller farmers afloat against large farming companies.” Convenience stores are often most helpful where food options are limited. However, in isolated areas, farmers markets can provide an outlet for fresh, nutritious produce. For less fortunate communities, farmers markets accept the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). However, in resource poor settings without easy access to local food, people should prioritize getting enough nutrients over eating seasonally. 

Today, farmers markets have grown from simple consumerism into thriving social gatherings. The USDA states that “what began as a business necessity for many small farmers has evolved into a social event for entire communities, with many families and patrons viewing a trip to the Saturday morning market as the start of their social weekend. As markets grow, new features like live music, cooking demonstrations, gardening tips and educational opportunities are added.” Farmers markets have become experiences, not just transactions. Bees in the Burbs, a honey establishment in Issaquah Farmers Market, says, “[The Issaquah Farmers Market] is one of the best markets. There is lots of traffic and everyone is lovely. It has a great vibe.” The Zooty Soap Company manager is friends with glass blowing man in the booth next to him. He says that “[my favorite thing about the farmers market is] the friendships, beautiful community, staff, and friendly people.” Junior Annie Stander says that “there is a local community in farmers markets. It is nice to get to know certain vendors and be able to help small businesses.” 

Farmers markets may have a bigger impact than is commonly known. Beyond the reusable bags commonly seen in farmers markets, farmers markets can have major ecological benefits. Non-seasonal food requires outdoor man-made conditions, fossil fuels, and water, promoting human intervention in the food process and negatively impacting the environment. Produce that is not grown seasonally and locally ultimately contributes to a larger ecological footprint. WebMD says, “Sustainable eating and seasonal eating go hand in hand: they both rely more on natural resources to provide food. Reducing food waste and encouraging long-term food planning are other goals of sustainable eating.” The easiest and most proficient way to establish a sustainable diet is to eat locally, low processed foods. 

Farmers markets are easy to discover and can be a fun experience for everyone. The USDA possesses a National Farmers Market Directory, which can provide a list of all the local farmers markets. Currently, over 8,000 farmers markets exist in the U.S. They typically occur in the summer months, and preserving summer produce through the long winter months can be just as much of a family experience. The Issaquah Farmers Market says that “a trip to a farmers market can help get kids get involved in nutrition. Let youngers pick out something new to try, or create a scavenger hunt to find certain fruits and vegetables.” If you live in the greater Seattle area, check out the Issaquah, Sammamish, Lake Hills, Crossroads, Bellevue, and Mercer Island farmers markets. Be prepared for a tasty summer!