Farmer's Markets: Fresh, Nutritious, Local

What a great video posted by the USDA/Nutrition! R.D. Sara Wilson talks about the importance of shopping at your local farmer's market and what benefits it can bring you. Many farmer's markets including the NWA Farmer's Market now accept SNAP and even WIC. Check it out to learn more!

Benefits to Buying and Consuming Produce from Your Local Farmers Market!

According to "Eat Smart: North Carolina, there are many benefits to buying and consuming fruits and vegetables from your local farmer's market! 

1. Fruits and vegetables are good for your health!
• They reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even some forms of cancer!
• People who eat fruits and vegetables are more likely to have a healthier body weight.
• They provide a wide range of nutrients and fiber.
2. Buying from a farmer's market cuts energy consumption.
• On average, each meal travels 1,300 miles before reaching your table. 
• A head of lettuce uses 36 more times fossil fuel energy in transport than it provides in food energy.
3. Buying local promotes an increase in your communities economic growth!
• Every $1 spent on locally produced goods returns $3-7 within the community.
• Farmers have direct access to their customers, which means they keep more of each dollar from sales because the middle man is eliminated. 
4. Local, sustainable farms conserve soil and keep water sources in our communities clean.

First NWA Farmer's Market!

Greetings, everyone! The first meeting of the NWA Farmer’s Market was a huge success! We had many new vendors this year as well as many returning vendors. Although the morning started off a tad chilly, we couldn’t have asked for better weather. Couldn’t quite get your peepers open? That’s okay, Arsaga’s was there with their freshly brewed coffee to give you a little morning kickstart. Don’t forget that there are much more than just fruits and veggies at the farmer’s market! Everything from homemade herbal soaps to woven baskets and wooden furniture!

It’s best to arrive as early as possible to avoid those crowds and get the first pick of options! Be sure to stop by Sipes Busy Bee Farm booth and check out their high quality honey! Need some new art to liven up your home? Check out Beth Woessner’s booth and all of her artwork! There is no admission to the market so feel free to come and browse around! Entertainment could be found on every block of the square from single performers to bands. Although some vendors accept debit and credit, it’s best to have a little cash on hand just in case! If you missed out this last weekend, don’t worry because the market will continue every Saturday until November! See you there!

Welcome Back!!

It’s that time of year again, folks! The NWA Local Farmer’s Market will open this Saturday, April 11, and will continue every Saturday until the 1^st weekend in November. Rain or Shine! Come support your local farmers and stock up on all of your fresh homegrown goods. Did you know that shopping local will strengthen your local economy?  According to ILSR, a locally owned store generates almost four times as much economic benefit for the surrounding region compared to shopping at a chain!  The market will open around 7 a.m. on Saturday! See you there!