Happy National Farmers Market Week

It's National Farmers Market Week (August 8th-13th), giving you  a great reason to celebrate the amazing local markets that supply you with fresh, in-season produce grown by family farmers.  And, offering us a reason to recognize the  broader impact that farmers markets are having on the communities that they serve.
According to the USDA ,  more than 1,000 new farmers markets  have popped up around America last year, bringing the total in the 2011 National Farmers Market Directory to 7,175 — a 17 % jump over last year.    California has 729 markets,  the largest number of farmers markets in the US, and San Diego currently houses 54 weekly markets.  While unemployment hovers at record levels this summer, entrepreneurship is thriving in those markets .   Our  farmers markets are growing jobs and strengthening local and regional economies.  Additionally, research shows that farmers markets spur spending at neighboring businesses. 
The growth of local farmers markets not only directly benefits local economies;   it also promotes healthier eating habits. People who shop at farmers markets tend to come home with more fruits and vegetables in their shopping bags. Expansion of local farmers markets may ultimately help reduce health care costs from obesity and other health problems linked to a diet dominated by processed foods.  So celebrate this week by visiting our three farmers markets and recognize that locally grown food is not only good for your taste buds—it creates jobs, keeps money in local economies, promotes community development, and can reduce the environmental and public health costs of the food we eat!