August may not get as much fanfare as the rest of the summer months, but there are two big reasons to welcome it with open arms - National Farmers Market Week (August 1-7) and PA Produce Month. When else can you fill up your bag with juicy tomatoes, peaches, corn, apples, hearty collards, and melt-in-your-mouth pears in one trip?
Support Your Neighbors
In a world of online ordering and curbside pickups, it is pretty rare to get to know the people behind your favorite products. However, after a quick stroll through the West Chester Growers Market, it is easy to see why their motto is “shake the hand that feeds you.”
According to the USDA, more than half of farmers travel less than 10 miles to their markets. And, everyone benefits when you shop at a local farm or farmers market. Lucky for us, our region has a large crop of farms and farmers’ markets! Shoppers get to buy produce at its peak at affordable prices. Often, produce sold at markets is often organic or ethically raised. Farmers are supported financially, while dollars stay in the local economy. Last but not least, everyone has a lower carbon footprint, and there is a lot less waste compared to supermarket foods.
August Eats
What’s the best way to say so long to summer? By celebrating its harvest! Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy the end of summer crops:
What are some of your favorite dishes to make after a farmers’ market shopping session?
