National Farmers Market Week, taking place Aug. 4-10, celebrates and highlights the vital role farmers markets play in our nation’s food system. In Wisconsin, we’re lucky to boast a thriving farmers market scene.
Why Farmers Markets
When you visit your local farmers market, you reap all kinds of benefits.
Consider this:
- Your dollars can help support local farmers, food producers, artisans, and makers.
- Through buying locally grown foods, you can help reduce the environmental toll of food transportation.
- Visiting a farmers market provides an opportunity to interact with others in your community. This can help create a sense of connection and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
- Strolling through your market helps add physical activity to your day.
- Spending time outdoors at a market can boost mental health.
Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet
Perhaps the biggest farmers market bonus is the abundance of seasonal produce available to you. Experts recommend eating at least four servings of vegetables and three servings of fruit each day.
A mostly plant-based diet can benefit your health in many ways. Healthy eating plans such as the Mediterranean diet can help prevent heart disease and stroke by reducing risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association.
In addition, plant-based diets have been shown to reduce the risk for developing dementia and certain types of cancer. Because they’re high in fiber, fruits and veggies also can help you feel full longer and stay regular.
Seasonal Fruits and Veggies to Try
You can’t beat the taste of peak-season fruits and veggies. From asparagus to zucchini, there’s something for everyone to love.
Top summer and early fall picks include:
- Strawberries (June – July)
- Peas (June – August)
- Green beans (June – August)
- Greens (June – October)
- Summer squash (July – September)
- Cucumbers (July – September)
- Peppers (August – October)
- Sweet corn (July – September)
- Tomatoes (July – September)
- Apples (August – October)
See a full list of seasonal availability from the UW Extension.
Using Your Fresh Finds
Once you bring home your bounty, the fun begins. Of course, many fruits and veggies are great raw. Here are a handful of other ideas for preparing produce.
- Lighten lunch. Swap out lunch meat for veggies in your sandwich. Use whole-grain bread or wraps.
- Fire up the grill. This works great for veggies such as peppers, onions, and squash. You can also grill fruit for a satisfying and light dessert.
- Toss a fresh salad. Or use some extra grilled veggies to make a grain bowl. Use a whole grain such as quinoa, brown rice, or barley as the base. Add greens and all the veggies you’d like.
- Open the oven. Roasting can win over even veggie skeptics. This type of preparation can reduce bitterness and draw out the sweetness of vegetables.
- Extend the season. Many fruits and veggies freeze well. Stock up and freeze any surplus so you can enjoy a taste of summer even in the cold months.
Check out Your Local Market
ThedaCare is proud to support many local farmers markets, including ones in: Appleton, Berlin, Neenah, New London, Shawano, and Waupaca. When you visit the Downtown Appleton Farm Market, held every Saturday June through mid-October, you can also visit the ThedaCare booth to talk with our friendly team members about health topics and pick up a fresh weekly recipe.
