Enjoy Family Time at Your Local Farmers’ Market

Looking for a fun outing for you and your family? Consider visiting a local farmers’ market. Below are a few reasons why it’s beneficial to shop at farmers’ markets.
Produce tastes better – Seasonal produce is freshly picked at its peak in flavor and nutrition.
You support your local farmer and economy. Meeting and talking to farmers is a great opportunity to learn more about how and where food is produced. They can also give you great cooking tips and meal ideas.
It’s a great way to get your kids involved.  Let them pick out something new to try. Teach them about which fruits and vegetables are in season. Teach them about colors.
You can try a new fruit or vegetable.  Many farmers’ markets can offer produce that you don’t see in the average supermarket. Perhaps you’d like to try purple carrots, watermelon radishes, heirloom tomatoes, or purple cauliflower!
Protect the environment.  Food in the U.S. travels an average of 1,500 miles to get to your plate. This shipping uses a large amount of natural resources (fossil fuels) and can contribute to pollution and extra packaging and trash. Food at farmers’ markets are transported shorter distances.
EBT and WIC benefits are accepted at selected farmer’s markets.  If you receive EBT benefits, you can redeem some of your benefits at farmers’ markets that are authorized retailers. If you receive WIC benefits, the WIC Program offers seasonal farmers’ market checks on a first come, first served basis. Some markets, like the Newhall farmers’ market, offers an additional $10 market match (while supplies last) when you redeem at least $10 of your EBT or WIC benefits. The Newhall market is located at the Old Town Newhall Library parking lot every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Joy Ahrens is a Registered Dietitian for the WIC Nutrition Program. This program offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support, checks for healthy foods, and referrals to qualifying women, infants and children under five years of age.
To see if you qualify for the WIC Program, or to find out if seasonal farmers’ market benefits are available to you, call 818-361-7541.