"As a food photographer, my visual senses came alive; as an explorer of foods, the smells and flavors were enticing; and as a dietitian, my mind raced with the food combinations, satisfying the senses and nutritional needs." Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RD, LN, FAND
Farmer's markets are worldwide and reflect an area's culture and economy. They often feature locally grown produce, meats raised humanely, handmade farmstead cheeses, eggs and poultry from free-range fowl, and heirloom produce.
"Farmers grow the food, talk about how they grew the food, and learn from the shoppers who, in turn, prepare the food for family dinners. The farmers market is where food is both fuel and culture and thus where we grow healthy communities." - Richard McCarthy, founding President of the Farmers Market Coalition and Executive Director.
The Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening farmer's markets for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and communities.
Twelve Reasons to Visit a Farmers' Market
Alice Henneman, RD
Food Safety and the Farmers Market
With the number of farmer's markets increasing throughout the country, food safety inspectors are working harder to ensure consumers get safe products when they shop.
Abbey Harding is a food safety inspector for the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Part of her job is to inspect farmer's markets, like the one in Grand Rapids, to ensure vendors comply with current regulations.
Abbey Harding is a food safety inspector for the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Part of her job is to inspect farmer's markets, like the one in Grand Rapids, to ensure vendors comply with current regulations.
An inspector looks at the labeling. Vendors need to specify where their products are grown. Typically, packaged goods vendors must list weights, ingredients, and whether the product requires refrigeration.
"If it's coming from a licensed source, we'd check with license control," Abbey Harding said. Michigan vendors need to be licensed, and if they process food, they may be subjected to inspection at their facility.
USDA, Farmers Markets
Community Farmers Markets of South Florida. Current Farmers Markets are located at the following places:
- Plantation Farmers Market, a year-round adventure, every Saturday from 8-2, in Volunteer Park on Sunrise Blvd, between NW 188th Ave and Flamingo Road.
- Tamarac Farmers Marke is also a year-round market, held every Sunday from 9 to 2 on the NW corner of Southgate and University.
- Boynton Beach Farmers Market, year-round every Saturday from 9-2, on the SE corner of Boynton Beach Blvd and Federal Highway.
- Margate Farmers Market is a seasonal market open from November to April.