Buy Local: Farmers' Markets Support Your Community

A visit to your local farmers' market is the opportunity to get outdoors; enjoy fresh, flavorful food; and support the local economy and local farmers. In addition, buying locally has less negative impact on the environment.

Buying local means you are supporting food that is produced, grown or raised as close to your community or neighborhood as possible — shopping at farmers' markets is one way to do this.  Shopping locally has a number of benefits, including:

  • Buying Local Preserves Diversity 
    California’s diverse agriculture can be preserved through certified farmers' markets by providing marketing outlets for the small acreage growers of heirloom, culinary, ethnic and specialty crops not widely grown on a large scale or found at traditional food sources.

  • Local Food Supports Local Farmers 
    Family farms operate based on the tradition of self-sustainability with local communities. Dollars spent at farmers' markets go directly to the farmers, who in turn spend with local merchants and keep money within the community.

  • Local Produce Is Fresher 
    Local produce is harvested at the height of ripeness and provided to consumers within a matter of days. Local farmers can also offer produce varieties bred for taste and freshness rather than for shipping and long shelf life.
  • Local Purchases Protect the Environment
    Local food doesn’t have to travel far, which helps reduce energy consumption by cutting down on transportation and storage — both of which can contribute to air and water pollution.

Find a farmers' market near you.

For More Information
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To learn more about Sharp's nutrition services or to find a Sharp-affiliated physician, search for San Diego doctors or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. To find general information about nutrition, read the Nutrition News archive.