The trees are turning green and the buds are opening. That means its time for local food supporters to be thinking about a trip to the farmers market
This time of year markets are offering little bit of fresh-grown produce, primarily asparagus and rhubarb, strawberries, and greens should be following soon. The offerings continue to change and multiply as the season goes on
Those shopping the farmers markets in Southwest Michigan, have access to some of the best food on the planet, grown and produced in one of its greatest agricultural regions, says Paul Stermer, of Fair Food Matters.
The markets also offer a great opportunity for socializing with friends and neighbors and a chance to meet and talk with the people who actually grew or produced, the food that's being sold, Stermer says.
For those who are anticipating their first trip to the market, his advice is to be prepared to talk to the vendors.
"They're nice people doing work they love -- making food to feed others -- and they're typically always eager to talk about their work," Stermer says. "It's always nice to find out exactly what we're purchasing and eating.
Area markets that are open or opening soon:
*
Borgess Indoor Farmer's Market, now all year,
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., every other Thursday.
*
Allegan Farmers Market, Allegan - Thursdays, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
* Mendon Farmers Market, Thursdays, 2-6 p.m.
*
Kalamazoo Farmers Market, Kalamazoo - Saturdays, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
*
Richland Farmers Market, Richland - Wednesdays, 3:30-6:30 p.m. (Starts May 18)
* Vicksburg Farmers Market - Fridays, 2:30-6:30 p.m. (Starts May 20)
*
Fresh on Q, Texas Township, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. (Starts May 21)
*
Douglass Farmers Market - 4th Tuesday of the month (Starts May 24)
*
People's Food Co-op 100 Mile Market in the parking lot of the new PFC in June.
Other markets in the area will open later in the season.
Fair Food Matters formed in 2001 to provide the community with information to help them make good choices about how to feed themselves. Itsmission is to build, educate, support and empower our community around local food.
Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Paul Stermer, Fair Food Matters
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