The USDA has declared this week National Farmer’s Market Week.
The 2011 National Farmers Market Directory shows a total of 7,175 farmers markets in the U.S. this summer, up from last year’s 6,132. According to the CT Dept. of Agriculture in the last 20 years our state has seen an increase of more than 500% in the number of markets!
The Farmers Market Coalition shares some interesting facts and figures about all the positive things farmer’s markets can do for a community; namely, bolster regional economies, increase access to nutritious foods, and bring communities together through a shared public space.
I love any excuse to encourage people to explore local food. The multitude of area farmer’s markets are a great way to do just that – explore. Within a 15 mile radius of Danbury you can find a market nearly every day of the week.
Tuesday: Sandy Hook Organic Farmer’s Market
Wednesday: Elite Farmers Markets at the Danbury Fair Mall
Thursday: Bethel Municipal Center Farmer’s Market
Friday: Citycenter Danbury Farmer’s Market
Saturday: Elite Farmers Markets at the Danbury Fair Mall, Bethel Farmers Market, New Milford Farmer’s Market, Gossett’s Farm Market (South Salem, NY)
Help celebrate local food and local farmers. This week is the perfect opportunity to visit a local farmer’s market. Here are a few resources to help you find one near you:
- 2011 Connecticut Certified Farmers Markets
- Fairfield Green Food Guide 2011 Guide to Fairfield County Farmers’ Markets
- Local Harvest
- Farm Fresh
Why do I extol the virtues of local farmer’s markets? Well, it’s way more fun than going to any grocery store; and in the end, if nothing else, the food is way fresher and just plain tastes better!