Somewhere along the way, we lost the vital relationship between people who grow, raise and produce food and the people who consume it.  As our world advanced through technology, our food systems, economy and way of life all became “global”.  Suddenly we had lost any connection to our food, its safety and its origin.  Farmers Markets are just one of the ways we can get back to “local” and reform important relationships with farmers and food producers in our communities.

The Bagley Area Farmers...

The Albert Lea Farmers Market has been evolving for the last 30 years, always improving and making “farm to table” living more accessible to their community.  After a few previous locations, the market ended up in downtown Albert Lea.  The lot they operate on is in a great central location, safe, with easy access and parking.  Today, in downtown Albert Lea, they continue the tradition of brining fantastic local products to the families of Minnesota.
 
When the Albert Lea Market first started,...

With all the news about global warming, fossil fuel depletion and general deterioration of the environment, most of us aren’t sure exactly what we can do to help. These problems always seem “too big” to handle on a local level, which couldn’t be farther from the truth. One of the best things you can do to help secure a healthy, feasible future is to go out and shop locally grown!

Reducing the distance your food travels does wonders for the health of the environment, your body and the economy. The...

Leading by example has and always will be the best way to reach our children.  One of the most important examples we can set for them is healthy lifestyle choices that include fresh foods and lots of physical activity.  Although its important to eat well all year long, spring and summer, during the growing season, is a great time to really get your kids involved.  Local markets make it easy to explore fresh nutritious foods with your children.  The Annandale Farmers Market in Annandale,...

The Chisago City Farmers Market wants to make eating locavore easy for their friends and neighbors in Minnesota.  With a ever growing vendor list and a recent grant from the Minnesota Market Association to set up, promote and accept EBT, credit and debit payments, shopping healthy in 2012 will be easier than ever.  Forget to get cash, no problem, visit the Market this season, grab all your fresh groceries and pay with debit!

The Chisago City Market 2012 season grand opening will be on...

There is so more to a market than fresh foods; many of them also showcase the best art, crafts, music and entertainment from around their region.  If you want to find out what kind of talent is in your very own neighborhood, just visit a market! The Richfield Farmers Market in Minnesota puts on a fantastic seasonal market that brings together the best of regional foods and performers. 

Operating since 1990, the Richfield Market has grown to become the third largest venue in the twin cities!...

Do you know the food producers and farmers that live in your community?  Unless you are already part of the locavore community, the answer is probably no.  Although the country can seem a world away from the city, most of us don’t realize how close food production is actually taking place.  With safe, reliable sources for food right in our own communities, why wouldn’t we shop local?

If you want to find out about the agriculture taking place in your region, a great place to start is a farmers...

Getting out of the house, away from electronics and out into the fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for our children.  If you are running out of ideas on how to get them outside and active, try a farmers market!  The perfect opportunity to combine education with quality outdoor time, market shopping can be a lot of fun for people of all ages.  Grab a reusable shopping bag for each member of your family and make a trip to the market an adventure.

If you live in the greater Minneapolis region,...

At Willowlyn Farms in Hartwood, the motto is “Simply Fresh. Simply Local” and they are definitely on to something.  Simple is exactly what healthy food choices should be and places like Willowlyn  are doing their part to bring farm to table foods to the locavore community of Virginia.  The 2012 growing season will be another fantastic year for Willowlyn, when they carry on the tradition of delivering nutritious fresh produce to markets, restaurants and their CSA share members.   

Willowlyn Farms i...

If you are looking for 100% locally grown, try shopping the St. Paul Farmers’ Market.  As a year round operation, the St. Paul Market makes eating fresh healthy foods easy to do even through winter months.  With over 150 years of history and tradition, the Market, its vendors and products have become a vital part of the St. Paul community.

When you shop the market you will find a great selection of Minnesota’s finest products.  As a producer only venue you can be sure that everything sold at the...