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Why Does It Matter? |
Farmers’ Markets are one of the greatest things about summertime in the Midwest. What is better than biting into a Hoosier-grown tomato? Or an ear of buttery sweet corn? Or enjoying the season’s first slice of juicy watermelon?
Hendricks County is blessed with four outstanding Farmers’ Markets! They are not only wonderful ways to build community and support local producers, they are good for our environment as well.
When you buy produce and other products at a Farmers’ Market, you know that those fruits and veggies aren’t grown in some far-off place. Since they are grown nearby, they don’t need to be packaged and shipped halfway across the country before you get to enjoy them.
Another advantage of buying at the Farmers’ Market is the fact that you can often talk directly to the person who grew what you are about to purchase, prepare and eat. What a great way to teach your kids about where their food comes from and the work it takes to grow it!
What Should You Do?
If you’ve never been to a Farmers’ Market, start by visiting one near you and discover what goodies are available. Take the kids and let them buy something that looks good to them—what better way to introduce them to something new and nutritious? Be sure to ask question and bring your own bags to haul your produce home in.
Here are the details for the Farmers’ Markets being held in Hendricks County this summer:
· Avon: Tuesdays, 4pm-7pm, June 12-September 18
Hendricks Regional Health Parking Lot, 8244 E. US Hwy 36
· Brownsburg: Thursdays, 3:30pm-6:30pm, June 14-Sept. 6
Brownsburg Town Hall Lawn, 61 North Green Street
· Danville: Saturdays, 8am-noon, May12-September 22
Historic Courthouse Square
· Plainfield: Wednesdays, 4pm-7pm, June-September
Plainfield Friends Meeting Lawn, 105 East Street
Dig Deeper.
If you are interested in taking your love for the wonderful, fresh produce you can find at your local Farmers’ Market to another level, begin to plan your weekly menu around what’s in season. And, if there’s a particular fruit or veggie your family really loves, consider asking a grower if you can make a bulk purchase of it to preserve for later in the year when it’s no longer in season.
You might also consider joining a CSA (community supported agriculture) group. CSAs allow you to buy a portion of in-season foods from local growers year round. Some CSAs will deliver directly to your door or have established drop-off points in the community. A simple internet search will get you started!
Next Edition…
Next time, we’ll help get you ready to plan, purchase and prepare by letting you know when your favorite produce will be in-season and at its best!
