Buy Local at Area Farmers’ Markets

Buying local is more than a trend, it’s an important part of living a greener lifestyle. Locally grown food travels shorter distances, keeps money in the local economy and is often organic. Locally grown food is also seasonal, fresh and native to your community.

Fortunately for DC residents, the metropolitan-area is home to some 15 farmers’ markets spread out across several neighborhoods. The types of products you can expect to find at a DC farmers’ market include: fruits, vegetables, pasture-raised meats & eggs, artisanal cheese, seafood, honey, plants & flowers, baked goods, handmade soaps, wool and more.

If you struggle with the idea of buying produce from Chile that can be grown in Maryland, the farmers’ market is your kind of place. The items sold come from Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and Delaware. One farmers’ market group that coordinates growers from the Chesapeake Bay region lists the names of their farmers and their farm locations HERE.

CityRenewed has a great list of local farmers’ markets in the “Events” and Resource Center” sections of the site. An important detail to look for when choosing a farmers’ market is during which season your market is open. Most of them are open from late spring to autumn.

Photo Credit: CC-licensed by Flickr user tvol