Farmers' markets have been a source of fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables for hundreds of years. They feature the very best of what Massachusetts agriculture has to offer at reasonable prices. At farmers' markets, buyer and grower have the chance to meet face-to-face. Farmers have a great deal of information on food production, nutrition and preparation and they are more than willing to share this information with you, the consumer. Markets are very diverse and may include everything from produce to fish, meat, or dairy products, baked goods, jellies and jams, and other farm value added products. Some markets provide space for craftspeople and others.

The taste of fresh picked vegetables and tree-ripened fruit is, in many cases, quite different (and always better) than what is available in the supermarket. Spinach and other greens are excellent examples. When fresh-picked, these greens are sweet and mild, lacking the bitter after-taste of supermarket spinach. Children who refuse to eat spinach from the supermarket will often devour the freshly harvested spinach available at your local farmers' market. Farmers' markets are a welcome change to a major supermarket chain. They allow urban consumers to have access to fresh high quality produce, which because of its freshness is more nutritious than a lot of produce available at stores. Farmers' markets bring activity to public places, which can in turn revitalize downtown areas.

A farmers' market is a place for business and trade as well as being a social event and community activity. It is a place to shop as well as meet with friends. A farmers' market allows you the opportunity to meet the people directly involved in the growth and production of your food. Farmers' markets also allow farmers a more profitable way to sell their crops, as it is a direct marketing outlet.

There is a farmers' market near you every day so you don't have to buy for the whole week if you don't want to. But if you do need to shop once for the week, talk to the farmers. They will help you choose the best fruits and vegetables for your needs. And don't forget dessert. Farmers' markets are the source for fresh pies baked with the finest Massachusetts grown fruits.

There is more to nutrition than following a pyramid. A good diet includes at least five fruits and vegetables a day. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of many vitamins needed for growth as well as health. They may also reduce your risk for cancer. Naturally, most fruits and vegetables are low in fat, sodium and cholesterol and can also be a good source of fiber, which is imperative to a good diet. At our farmers' markets, our Market Managers (and many other managers throughout the state) have nutrition education information. We encourage you to speak with them, the farmers, your doctor, or a nutritionist about ways to eat healthy. Feel free to ask for different ways to cook produce to add some diversity and flavor.

A good farmers' market needs solid public relations. The bottom line is to get more people to come to and shop at market as well as to inspire and teach people to eat healthy. Exposure through signage, flyering, advertising, collaborative partnerships, and articles, to name a few ideas, can do this. A Market Manager must "police the site". This can run the gambit from the general orchestration of the market to curtailing shoplifters, keeping the area clean, and ensuring safety. They are the "go to" person for the market; they are the source of information between the Organization, markets, farmers and even nutritionists. Market Managers educate consumers about market policies and objectives, what is going on with relevant Departments of Agriculture, distribute literature as well as answer questions relating to WIC coupons. Market Managers are extra hands when needed.