Farmers Markets

Most of us in the U.S. grew up on food from grocery stores and most food is still sold there. But the plant foods offered at these stores are typically sprayed with pesticides and herbicides and harvested green and the meats are from caged and penned animals fed unnatural diets that make them sick and require antibiotics. These foods are then shipped hundreds or thousands of miles to reach the store. Much of the food has preservatives added, or is pasteurized, or irradiated to keep it from spoiling. Much of it is heavily processed and packaged in plastic. Is that good for our health? Is it good for our environment and natural resources?


With rising fuel prices and increasing health problems, many people are beginning to recognize the value of local healthy foods, whether grown at home or at local farms. As a result, farmer's markets are booming in the U.S. They offer foods that are locally produced. The vegetables are usually organic, harvested when ripe, and very fresh. The meats and dairy are often from pastured animals fed a natural diet. An effective and appealing alternative to industrial foods.


Here's some additional photos I took at a local farmers market. The photos can be viewed individually, by clicking on the photo miniatures, or as a slideshow, by clicking on the "Slideshow" link on the upper right side of the page.

Another local option for good food is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), where you periodically receive a variety of farm produce and in some groups you can actually participate in the farming. Here's a description of one of the largest community supported farms in Texas, Home Sweet Farm.

CSA farming video - featuring Home Sweet Farm


Happy food hunting and gathering ! :)