Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1515764
5 HELP YOUR HEALTH – AND THE EARTH'S If you want to add a little health kick to your diet, local produce is one great option. Katherine McLeod of First Choice Primary Care, PSFM sponsors, said, "There are countless health benefits to eating a variety of fruits and vegetables to help prevent or control chronic diseases." Fresh, local food hasn't been sitting in storage or treated with preservatives for long-distance transportation, which may boost its nutritional benefit, McLeod said. Multiple growers noted their products' smaller carbon footprint, that environmental protection is a core value of their business practices, and that your dollars support that mission. 6 GO BEYOND FRUITS AND VEGETABLES You can get basics like bread, eggs, cooking oil, and proteins, plus flavor boosters like hot sauce, jellies, and herbs. "If fresh produce is the cornerstone of any good farmer's market, then everything else is mortar," said White. "Culinary oils (such as Georgia olive and peanut oils), specialty meats (lamb, goat, shrimp, to name a few), and prepared goods (jam, hot sauce) tie together the kitchen and transform a fresh haul into a menu," they explained. 7 MAKE IT A ROUTINE "Rearrange your grocery shopping and meal planning to start on Wednesday afternoons from what is in season and made locally first," recommended Luke Opperman of Our Big Oak Bakery. If you live or work downtown, PSFM may be the closest place to get groceries, already saving time. Plus, "Most farmers offer pre- orders so you can simply swing by in a matter of minutes," said the Carrs of Bone Creek Farm. "It's okay to start small and organize recipes that include one seasonal crop," said White. 8 BRING THE KIDS Kids can learn a lot about science, cooking, history, agriculture, and business from the producers. Picky eaters may even want to try a new vegetable if it's part of the adventure of learning and making friends. Many vendors are parents or grandparents with kid-friendly food tips. "Going to the market gives kids a chance to learn about farming and find out where food comes from. Even grownups will see and taste produce that they have never seen before," said Bobby Slaten, The Peanut Man. Farm Foccacia made weekly with PSFM produce. Photo courtesy of Macon Bagels. A sunny day at the PSFM. Photo by MM Staff. 9 ENJOY THE COMMUNITY PSFM is a gathering place. Buyers and growers from all over the local area can be found there. McLeod suggested that being "outside walking around and talking to our grower friends" can bring about feelings of connectedness, supporting mental health. Asherman shared, "We care about our customers' wellbeing. It's not uncommon for market vendors to make special items, harvest or grow according to special requests, bring bulk deals, or deliver to sick customers." You may even get inspired to start your own garden or small business, noted Nikki Taylor of Everyday Farm and Garden. 10 MOST OF ALL , SHOP AT YOUR LOCAL FARMERS MARKET The farmer's market isn't just an outdoor produce section. It's a community resource, a social event, a way to vote with your dollars, connect with your neighbors, improve your nutrition, get inspired, learn about your community's food system, protect the environment, see art, hear music, and find recipes. Bonus: the food's delicious.