Page 18 - June Banner 2018_Neat

Page 18 June 2018 The Catoctin Banner Newspaper www.TheCatoctinBanner.com Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com

The Benefits of Local Farmers Markets

Devon Griffin

Summer is around the corner and that means spent working towards their harvest. Farmers markets ensure that profit will
the return of local farmers markets. In Frederick be reinvested into producing next year’s crops.
County, farmers markets are held periodically In Frederick County, the amount of farmland is diminishing as urban
throughout the week. With a wide variety of sprawl takes over. Before we know it, the distinguished individual towns will
produce and vegetables, there is something for merge and become part of Frederick. Supporting local farmers markets will
everyone. What people may not understand is that help prevent disappearance of farmland, while preserving Frederick County’s
buying local benefits the consumer and the environment in many ways. rich agricultural history. As long as our farmers can continue to provide for
Transportation is a hidden economic and environmental cost when it themselves and the community while making profit, we can help preserve the
comes to industrialized food production. Food is hauled hundreds and rural areas.
thousands of miles in order for it to reach its destination. That is a lot of fuel, Through buying farmer’s products, we are giving them feedback and
whether it be by truck, train, or airplane. All of that fuel being burned adds showing our appreciation for their work. The more support received, the
to the growing concern surrounding air pollution. Fossil fuels, like gasoline, more likely the farmer is to return the following year.
contribute excess carbon dioxide to the atmosphere when burned. With The largest benefit of local farmers markets is the quality of the food.
farmers markets, the food is local and doesn’t have to be trucked in from Produce and fruits are picked right in season, and you don’t have to worry
unknown locations. The mystery of where the food comes from is reduced, about whether it is fresh or not. Fresh produce usually tastes better and
while assuring the consumer the food is fresh and hasn’t been aging during provides more nutritional benefits. Frozen veggies do not compare to fresh
tractor trailer transport. veggies purchased at a farmers market.
Most consumers do not have knowledge of how their food is produced. I encourage you to find your nearest farmers market and check it out!
Grocery store shelves are stacked high with packaged, processed foods that Farmers Markets have a kid-friendly atmosphere, so bring the whole family.
potentially have harmful effects on the body. Much of the food seen today is In addition to cash and credit cards, some farmers even accept SNAP and
treated with unhealthy chemicals during the production phase. With locally WIC benefits.
grown food, you don’t have to worry about it coming from a large processing Some nearby farmers markets to consider visiting this summer are:
plant, hundreds of miles away. Emmitsburg: Fridays, June 22-September 21, located at 302 S. Seton
A huge benefit of local farmers markets is that the farmer receives the Avenue, 3:00-6:00 p.m.; Thurmont: Saturdays, June 2-September 22,
money made from his personal crops. He doesn’t have ties to a contract located at Municipal Parking Lot, South Center Street, 9:00 a.m.-noon;
associated with an industrialized company. Money stays circulating in the Frederick Farmers Market at Eveready Square & Shab Row: Thursdays, May
neighborhood and community with farmers markets. According to an article 31-September 27, located in Downtown Frederick, 113 North East Street,
published in The Washington Post, “For every dollar consumers spend on Church Street & East Street, Frederick, 3:00-6:00 p.m.; Field Fresh Farmers
food, only 7.8 cents goes to farmers…” (Caitlin Dewey). The large industrial Market: Saturdays, April 28-November 17, Holiday Markets: December 1, 8,
companies are receiving around 92 cents per dollar off the farmer. A lot of 15, located at the Frederick Fairgrounds, 797 E. Patrick Street, 10:00 a.m.-
crops may be grown, but 8 cents doesn’t compare to the time and money 1:00 p.m.
• ads @ thecatoctinb anner .com •