Susan M. Davis, MG3Media Guest Blogger
Farmers’ Markets – So Much MORE than a Vegetable Store
One of my favorite things to do on the weekend, is go to the local Farmer’s Market. We are very lucky here in my town, to have had a successful Farmer’s Market for many years, which has grown to be a thriving weekly community event.
The first thing that comes to mind when you hear, “ Farmers Market” , is of course, delicious organic produce, but a Farmers Market is really much more. First of all, it’s a community gathering-place. As our neighborhoods have become less like real neighborhoods, where you see and talk with your neighbors over the back fence, and where families hang out in the front yard – the place to meet your neighbors has become a more public place – like the Farmers Market.
When I go to our local Farmers Market on Sunday morning, I almost always run into old friends from the days when my kids were in the public schools and in Little League. Seeing these moms and dads of the ‘kids’ who are now grown-up, keeps me connected to our community, and to the circle of friends we developed those many years ago. Hearing about all the things the kids are doing as adults, and where they are living now, has broadened my community focus to places far away, and also kept me in touch with my ‘neighbors’ .
The Farmers Market is a Hub of Connectivity
Sustainable Gardener and Artist, Susan Burgess. All rights reserved.
The Farmers Market has become a place not only to get organic produce, but also raw food treats, ice cream, hand-made soaps and body lotions, honey, wine, plants for your own garden, baked goods, ethnic foods, cheese, nuts, candy, meats, seafood, eggs – the list goes on and on! Every month there seems to be something new to try. At the Farmers Market, where the local ‘farmer’ is the one to actually hand you the products you will be cooking, eating, or using, you literally connect with the source. These people are passionate about sustainable practices and producing organic, handmade, exceptional products. They are intimate with the earth, the seasons, and holistic sustainable living. So many of them love to share their passion, and will take the time to talk to you about their offerings, sharing stories, recipes, and ask for feedback from you about your experience with their product. I’ve learned so much, tried many new things, and developed relationships with these providers , and all of this has enhanced my life. By shopping at the Farmers Market, you put a human face on the commodities we consume. You know that you will see these people week after week; that they really care about what they are doing and how it affects you. The Farmers Market contributes to balance in our lives and our health and well being, while keeping our dollars supporting the local economy.
One of my favorite people, and a real mentor for Sustainable Living, is Jesse Cool. Jesse has been an advocate for sustainable farming, organic cuisine, ‘ slow-food’, and Farmers Markets for more than thirty years. I had the wonderful opportunity to have Jesse as a guest on Good and Green Radio a few months ago, and on the show she shares her passion and a real insiders view of all that Farmers Markets have become today. So take the time to listen to Jesse Cool’s story on Good and Green Radio, and then spend an hour at your local Farmers Market!
Enjoy your journey to a more Sustainable Lifestyle with all the good and ‘green’ things you’ll find, there!
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Susan M Davis is co-owner of Spectrum Fine Homes, Inc., a Sustainable Design/Green Building firm located in the San Francisco Bay Area, taking care of residential clients for over twenty years. She is a Sustainable Living Consultant with GreenPoint Coach, and writes a column called ‘Good and Green Families’ for Parenting on the Peninsula. Her conversation radio show can be heard on The Positive World Radio Network and on iTunes.
Check out one of MG3Media’s favorite directories from SF Station: http://www.sfstation.com/farmers-markets/business-directory/bay-area
