When the Dowagiac farmers market opened for the season last week, local shoppers gained a unique opportunity that we think they should all take advantage of for a number of reasons.

First, shopping at farmers markets offers customers the opportunity to find out information about products before purchasing them. Usually, the people who set up at farmers markets are the same people who grow, bake, cook or create the products for sale.

The opportunity to connect with farmers and creators is invaluable, is especially helpful for consumers concerned with chemicals used to farm produce, or ingredients used when cooking certain products.

Customers are able to get this information straight from the horse’s mouth, rather than having to read the fine print or research on the internet before purchasing.

Usually farmers who sell at farmers markets are part of smaller operations, unlike the larger businesses known for using inhumane or unehalthy practices on their animals, so shopping local can also help minimize that harm.

By shopping at the farmers market, people are also supporting local families. What better way is there to support your neighbors than to pay them directly for the goods you would have purchased anyway at the grocery store?

As you can see, there is something truly comforting about knowing exactly where your food comes from. For this and many other reasons, we encourage everyone to take advantage of the farmers market — either as vendors or consumers — as frequently as possible this summer.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Ambrosia Neldon, Craig Haupert, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.