When people think of a farmer's market, they think fruit and vegetables. So did I, until my recent trip to the farmer's market at Bidwell Park in the Elmwood Village district.
There is so much more there than fruits and vegetables. You can get rabbit, duck, chickens, eggs, flowers, fruits, vegetables, breads, honey, wine, music, and much more!
Bidwell Market is interesting, mainly due to no resellers being allowed there. Every product you buy was made by the person who is taking the money out of your hand. No guessing how long it took to get from farm to market: It took as long as it took the person to drive there.
Buying local produce is one of the best things you can do for the local economy, as well as the environment. That lettuce you eat wont require 500 miles of driving to get to your plate. You're not funneling money from Buffalo into Houston for your food. And, you are not feeding the corporate monster that is controlling our food supply either.
Now, one of the biggest reasons I've heard people say they don't go to the farmer's markets is because things are cheaper at a box grocery store. Well, let me inform you: Most things aren't. And, if they are, it's not by all that much. I'm talking pennies on the dollar, maybe.
That little bit extra you spend however, goes a much longer way, and does a whole lot of economic and social good. You keep a neighbor employed, not a Wall St. banker. You help feed a family making your food, not feeding a corporate fat cat. And, adding to this, if you are getting EBT? You get a 20% discount (For now, until funds exhaust). It'll stretch your dollar more, and you'll get healthy foods!
Will you still need to go to a box grocer? Maybe, for the odds and ends. But, I am sure you can finish off a large portion of your shopping at Bidwell Market. And, the more you shop there, the bigger it will get.
And, if you need a full service grocer still? The Lexington Co-op is right down the street too :) Eat healthy, my friend.
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