Farmers’ Market: Yay or Nay
October 23, 2008 by Noel Boehm
Filed under Beauty Products
I was listening to NPR a few months ago and they were discussing the WIC program now including an additional allotment for produce. This has led to an increasing number of Farmers’ Markets accepting things like WIC and Food Stamps. They were referencing a specific area in Southern California in the broadcast. Here’s an article that goes into more detail about it. It’s no secret that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy grains is optimal but it’s pretty difficult for the average family to do that, especially on a very limited income. We go through A LOT of produce every week and it adds up…quickly. I have found that here in the Midwest, the produce at the Farmers’ Market is a great deal cheaper. I’m not talking about only organic. Just fresh, local produce. Making that more accessible to everyone is a great thing. How do you feel about this? Do you get the bulk of your produce from Farmers’ Markets or grocery stores and how much does cost and availablity affect that decision? I would like to hear your thoughts and more information. Please share with the class.
Those programs for low-income people to buy produce at local farmer’s markets are ensuring the survival of many small farmers. Many folks still buy their produce from grocery stores. Without the programs you mentioned, lots of farmers would be out of the game. It’s a good thing.
I think it’s good for the farmers, the recipients and the community. I feel so much better about the food my family eats from Farmers Markets and more connected to the work that went into the food. Clean, fresh food shouldn’t be a priviledge.