Farmers Markets are opening!

Katie and I love to shop the Farmer's Market in our town.  It was one of the first things we did together when we became friends.  This week our Farmer's Market moves outside and opens up in full swing downtown...... and yes we will be there!  I am sure that Farmer's Markets are starting all over as well, look up the one in your area and see when they start.

Photo Credit:  MJS Photography at the Lexington Farmer's Market

My grandfather used to take his crops to the Farmer's Market.  I can see him sitting on the bed of his Dodge truck in his blue jean overalls handing out veggies to his customers like it was yesterday.  What a precious memory!

When you buy things from the Farmer's Market you:

• Support the local economy
• Conserve fuel energy
• Preserve farmland
• Eat healthier
• Keep the growing of local foods alive
• Help farmers get a fair price for their product
• Keep your food money in Kentucky
  
  

Never shopped at the Farmer's Market?  Wondering what you will find there?

Photo Credit: MJS Photography at the Lexington Farmer's Market

• Fresh produce and eggs
• Fresh cut flowers and floral arrangements
  
• Vegetable and flower transplants, seeds
  
• Heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables.
  
• Organic vegetables and fruits
  
• Local honey and honey products
  
• Local Wines
• Local farm raised beef, chicken and pork
  
• Freshwater prawns and tilapia
  
• Game Birds
  
• Fresh and Dried Herbs
  
• Mushrooms
  
• Locally produced cheeses and breads
  
• Soap and Body Care Products
  
• Gourds, pumpkins and fall decorations
• Pet Treats

Photo Credit:  MJS Photography at the Lexington Farmer's Market

Go here for a list of the vendors that participate in Lexington.   Some of my favorites are Triple J Farm, Elmwood Stock Farm  and Good Shepherd Cheese (not on the list).


I learned an interesting fact this week about the Farmer's market.  Did you know that Farmer's Market's all over take SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps)?  Bread, meat, eggs, dairy, produce, seeds and seedlings that produce food can be purchased with them.  Check with your local Farmer's Market to see if they accept them.  What an amazing idea that seeds and seedlings can be purchased with your SNAP dollars.  That way they can go home and plant a vegetable that will feed them all summer long!