July 2007 | Locally Yours
Farmers’ Markets—with Benefits
These social hotspots nourish in more ways than one
By Jennifer Adler M.S., C.N.
Deep burgundy cherries picked this morning, fresh eggs hand gathered from a chicken named Mollie, people of all ages laughing while basking in the sun. The display of people, colors and sounds at our local farmers market is a feast for all of the senses. The dizzying array of uniquely cared for vegetables, fruit and animal products—which proudly display their knots and curves —is a refreshing reminder of the simplicities of life. Meandering from stall to stall tantalizes the taste buds and helps many of us plan our weekly menus. However, despite this gorgeous array of food—displayed in its most succulent and healthful form—farmers markets offer up more than just superior nutrition and delicious local fare.
Turns out visiting the farmers’ market can improve your health—whether you nibble on the local produce or not. Farmers’ Markets can help lower our blood pressure simply by being amidst the solace that they provide. I have clients who are market devotees not only because of their ideals but because they feel more calm and connected by simply being in the presence of farmers and freshly picked food. The weekly markets serve as an opportunity to break up the stress of the week.
Joe Fulton of The Tall Boys, an old-time string band, enjoys seeing people dance and smile while he and his band members perform at the markets. Noticing the same smiling faces week after week feels satisfying. Joe is not alone in his sentiments. Studies have shown that people who attend a farmers market have 17 times more social interactions than at a conventional grocery store—17 times! Many believe that this could have a beneficial impact on health, happiness and longevity—for us and the planet.
Over the past few years, “What’s for dinner?” has become a very loaded question. As the wise writer Wendell Berry states, “The way we eat determines to a considerable extent how the world is used.” Do we support sustainable farming, a living wage, global warming or cultural homogenization? Each time we wield our mighty fork, we make a vote. Where do we prioritize our diet? Do we see the ripple effects that our choices make?
The lovely irony of farmers’ markets is that they don’t simply sustain our local economic communities—they sustain us as individuals too. The feeling of connection is invisible and yet very palatable. The life and vitality in the air is contagious. Energy generated at a farmers’ market by people coming together in community is nourishing.
“I like the slice of life that you get at the markets,” agrees Jen Lamson of Good Food Strategies, a Seattle-based strategic communications company. “I like the country coming into the city. I like being able to talk to the people who have grown or otherwise produced the food.”
She adds that the markets have also turned into a place where she frequently runs into her neighbors.
“Farmers markets are alive,” she says. “There is a bustle. I love the fact that in Ballard the street gets turned over to the people and not the cars. It is community.”
This summer, entice all of your senses by visiting your nearest farmers market and get to know your local producers and neighbors. Once you have a vine-ripened heirloom tomato complete with riveting conversation, can you ever go back?
To find a local farmers’ market near you, visit www.pugetsoundfresh.org.
Jennifer Adler, M.S., C.N., provides nutrition counseling at her private practice Realize Health, www.realizehealth.com. Currently, she finds delight at her local Sunday Farmers’ Market in Ballard.
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