Finding a Farmer's Market for Fresh Produce

By Chelsea Reinberg | Health, Nutrition and Food Safety Agent

August Classes and Events:

Kids in the Kitchen – Wraps & Snacks
August 27th 10:00a-12:00p
Come celebrate National Farmers Market Week (August 7-13th) with the Extension Master Food Volunteers (EMFVs)!
- Visit the Johnson County WIC Community Garden Farmers Market on August 11th between 10:00 am-1:00 pm to pick up some fresh organic produce, take a garden tour, and taste test some recipes prepared by the EMFVs highlighting seasonal produce from the garden. Donations for produce are suggested to support the WIC Community Garden.
- Stop by the Lenexa Farmers Market in Lenexa Civic Center on August 13th between 8:00 am-12:00 pm and visit with our Extension Master Food Volunteers at their booth located in the center of the market. The EMFVs can answer all your food and nutrition related questions. They will have informational handouts and recipes available to help you prepare tasty dishes with the produce you get from the market.

Farmers markets and fresh produce are some of the best things about summer! It’s something about the buzz of the people strolling along the vendors of the neighborhood farmers market and all the beautiful produce and locally made goodies that make it an enjoyable time for all.
There are many benefits for individuals and communities when local foods are prioritized and sought out. Locally grown produce is more flavorful and more nutritious than what you may find in your local grocery store. The produce at farmers markets has been recently picked fresh compared to that in retail stores where the produce has been harvested, shipped far distances, and stored for an unknown amount of time. Did you know, the shorter the time between harvest and consumption, the less likely the nutrients (like antioxidants) have decreased and the better the food is for you?!
Purchasing local foods also supports the local economy and has less environmental impact. When you bring your own reusable bags to the farmers market you are helping to reduce the amount of waste from plastic packaging that is commonly found when purchasing produce in the retail stores. Lastly, when you buy local you make connections and build relationships with the people who grow and produce your food. Take some time to talk with the local vendors at your farmers market and you can learn a lot about how your food is produced and develop a better understanding and appreciation for the food you eat.
There are several resources available to help you find nearby farmers markets and learn what produce is in season. Seasonal and Simple is one of those great tools that helps connect you with a local farmer market and guides you in selecting, storing, and preparing delicious recipes for fruits and vegetables. A description and the nutritional information for each fruit and vegetable is also available.
Seasonal and Simple can be accessed on your computer or downloaded to your smartphone or tablet. Having it on your smart devices comes in handy when you are at the farmers market and need a quick reference on how to pick the best produce, as well as find out what is in season!
Once you bring your produce home from the market, you want to ensure that you store it properly. Here are some tips and tricks for keeping your produce safe and at peak quality:

Store fresh fruits like apples (if more than 7 days), berries, cherries, grapes, and peaches and pears (after they ripen) in the refrigerator.
Store herbs and fresh vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, leafy greens, cauliflower, beets, summer squash and sweet corn in the refrigerator.
Remember, ALWAYS store cut or peeled produce in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth and keep it safe for consumption.
Wash produce with cool running water before preparation or eating to remove dirt. It is important to wash produce even if peeling to prevent the transfer of dirt to the inside.
Store garlic, onions, potatoes, and sweet potatoes in a well-ventilated area.