Farmer's Market + Locally Grown

Hey there, 

Jumping into my new series, I'd like to spend some time talking about farmer's markets, locally grown food, and the benefits of these. 

I'm not sure if any of you will be living in the Hamilton area (Ontario that is), but on York Street in downtown there is a Farmer's Market. The market is open:

Tuesdays: 7am-6pm

Thursdays 7am-6pm

Fridays 8am-6pm

Saturdays 6am-6pm

This morning I made a visit to the market to kick off my new series, and to gather more information for you guys about the benefits of buying local. Now, I'm sure a lot of you will say that buying local can be expensive, and to be fair, it can be. However, there are TONS of booths there, and they are all fairly competitively priced. For example, today I got two oval apples, a large bag of seedless green grapes, two pounds of strawberries, a pound of raspberries, and four bananas for $7! That is NOT at all expensive, they were all great quality, and I'm supporting local farmers and booths. 

Now, obviously there are a few benefits to going to a local market. 

#1. Price can sometimes be significantly cheaper than at the grocery store, and they often have end of the day blowout sales, that grocery stores DEFINITELY don't offer. 

#2. The quality is usually exceptional. These booths take great pride in the products they are selling, and their reputation, so they make sure they are providing you with high quality produce. 

#3. Markets often have free range, grain fed products. Today I noticed all the chicken booths had free range, grain fed chicken breasts. If you are a vegetarian, obviously that wouldn't appeal to you, however it is definitely a more conscientious, nature minded choice. You can also buy eggs, and various other chicken products that hold the same label.

#4. Although there were a FEW booths that offered some very tasty treats, most of these booths at the market are offering vegetables, fruit, grains and meat. Shopping at the market not only opens your mind to the wide variety of available fruits and vegetables, but will help you to buy better food for yourself, as there is not a whole lot of selection on junk food!! :D

I hope you guys check out your local markets this week, and let me know if you find any great ones to share!!

Check it soon.

Bye!