National Nutrition Month: Easy access to fresh, local, healthy food
March is National Nutrition Month and while we often make resolutions to improve our nutrition in January, by March those plans don’t always come to fruition.
Nutrition plays a key role in our health and what we eat can determine our overall health.
So, is there a way we can improve our nutrition without disrupting our lives drastically? Is there a way that nutrition can become more natural, more comfortable, something that fits into our “flow?”
While digging through information on nutrition, I came across a recent national survey, conducted by the University of Wisconsin and the Farmers Market Coalition, that shows that Farmers Markets helped boost healthy food choices.
The study shows that Farmers Markets serve as vital community hubs putting people in touch with local farmers and ranchers and local food. The study involved 5,141 respondents from across America.
Key findings reveal the strong community and health benefits
>> “Improved Health: Over 75% of farmers market attendees reported eating healthier” due to their market purchases.
Talking to local producers is a great way to find out how the farmer enjoys preparing a vegetable or the benefits of eating a particular vegetable or meat item. Besides purchasing familiar items, customers can be inspired to try something “new.” Often markets offer a vegetable or a variety that is not found in grocery stores, especially if farmers like to grow heirlooms, open pollinated varieties, not used in large commercial production.
>> “Community Connection: Nearly half (48%) of the respondents reported connecting with others” in their community at the market.
The atmosphere at the farmers market is relaxed and friendly, encouraging conversation with the vendors and among the customers. It is a great way to pick up a new recipe or ideas for a quick dinner. Some markets offer free printed recipes.
Good nutrition is important to all of us and learning more about the food we buy just might be inspiring enough to send us in a healthy direction. After all, the Rio Grande Valley produces the largest variety of crops in the State of Texas. So, check out your local farmers market to help keep your health goals.
If you have not tried a market, the Farmers Market at Firemen’s Park in McAllen is the oldest farmers market in the Valley, offering free educational materials, recipes, and gardening information from Master Gardeners, along with grass fed beef, cabrito, lamb and poultry, locally grown vegetables, fruits, microgreens, fresh and dried herbs, eggs, mushrooms, locally roasted coffee, artisan baked goods and probiotics like black garlic and kombucha.
The market is located at 210 N. 1st St., next to Town Lake, just off Business 83. For more information on the market, call (956) 330-6410.
Barbara Storz is a local horticulturist writing about plants that perform well in the Rio Grande Valley. You can follow her on Facebook or find her at the Farmers Market at Firemen’s Park.
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