Updated, 9 April 2018
If you’ve not been to a local farmers market this year, I highly recommend you do so … opening in May and closes in October. Come and experience a fun outdoor weekly marketplace where local musicians often play and you sample fresh farmed foods and purchase them at great prices.
It is truly a unique place with ample opportunity to learn more about local farmed foods, seasonal harvest, organic gardening and nutrition tips and so much more. You might even meet a new friend or drum up a business connection in this activated social setting.
The products in farmer markets is of high quality and less cost than most organic foods found in local retail stores. This is because there is less handling, processing and long distance hauling, there is also less damage and bruising and that means higher nutrient value.
These marketplaces also have a way of making us more conscientious of being good environmental stewards. For example, consider the impact of plastics on environment alone – according to scientists in 2010, around eight million tons of plastic trash ended up in the ocean. Farmer’s markets don’t require plastic bags and packaging to preserve and bag product. If you want to help further reduce non-biodegradable pollutant plastics on land and waterways, simply bring your own reusable paper or carry bag with you to take product home. This helps keep farmers costs down while saving the planet one bag at a time.
When looking at the economic benefit farmers markets bring to communities is best described as a Trifecta Win. Meaning the benefactors are farmers, residents and local business. When consumers spend dollars at home they support local farmers, economic development, community building and increase job opportunities.
I can’t think of a better seasonal tradition to experience with family than a day spent supporting your local farmer’s market. Then sharing those farmed fresh food stories at the dinner table. Who knows, you may be inspired to plant your own organic garden next year.
Tigard Farmers Markets Open Annually May through October.
The City of Tigard Farmer’s markets annually opens around May 6 – October 28, Annually on Sundays from 9am – 1:30pm. Their located on Burnham Street in downtown Tigard.
The Bull Mountain Farmers Market annually opens in May – October on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am-2pm. Their located at 14389 SW Pacific Hwy, Tigard. Get more information on both farmers markets.
http://www.tigard-or.gov/community/farmers_markets.php
Supa Fresh is a youth-operated farm that teaches interns work and life skills. The farm stand typically opens in June and features seasonal produce. You can purchase fresh farmed products on Wednesdays from 2:30 -6:30pm [posted: 2017]- or visit www.suprafreshyouthfarm.org to confirm the days/hours of operation and other great information. Their located at 9055 SW Locust Street, Tigard. Learn more about Supa Fresh at: https://www.facebook.com/supafreshyfarm/
Good Health to You and Your Family.
Marc Woodard, MBA, BS Exercise Science, ARNG, CPT, RET. Is a member of the Tigard City Council. A strong proponent of City involvement in providing recreational opportunities for its residents. 2017 Copyright. All rights reserved, Mirror Athlete Inc., www.mirrorathlete.org
