Taste of Spring - Local Markets

The beginning of spring in Idaho (and many places) means local markets all around the valley open. These markets are overflowing with local produce, local meats, eggs, cheeses, crafts, wine, baked goods, preserves, and countless other goods. It's fun to stroll through the streets, surrounded by excited people perusing over the available wares. It's even more fun, now with a toddler in tow, watching her take in the sights; smiling as there are so many things she is seeing for the first time.

Weather around the US has been odd this year though, and in many places it's been a long long winter. This has translated into farmers losing crops, or having to getting a late start on planting. I was notified, through a local organic grocery service (not local only) that I use, that prices this year on organic foods (and all food, really) would be higher due these difficulties.

I think the higher price of food is a great incentive though, to go out to our local farmer markets and support our local community. Food is often less expensive at these markets, and you can pick up the basic equivalent of organic by looking for stalls that advertise "pesticide free" and "organic practices". It's also wonderful to talk to the farmers, get to know the people growing your food. I also feel good knowing that with mostly locally sourced groceries, my family is less likely to become a statistic in something like the 2006 ecoli outbreak from spinach. It's a lot easier to trace our food back to the source if one of us does fall ill from it, but with smaller productions it's all statistically less likely to happen.

So search your local areas for farmer markets, buy local items when you see your grocery store stocking them (provided that they are healthy items - don't forget to read labels!), and look into CSAs and co-ops in your area. Local Harvest is a great place to start! You'd be surprised at what just might be available.