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.