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| Locally Grown |
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Farmer Markets continue to thrive as people become more aware
of the taste, health, and economic benefits of buying locally grown produce. Food that does not travel as far is fresher and tastes like eating from your own garden. Produce that you purchase at your local farmer's market has often been picked within 24 hours of your purchase at the peak of ripeness and is not only tasty but is nutrition rich; contains more vitamins, minerals, enzymes and micronutrients. (Nutritional value and taste both decline over time.) Others reasons to buy produce locally are:
- Usually has less environmental impact.
- Helps to maintain green space and farmland.
- Less chance of contamination.
- Supports local economy; more than 90 cents of every dollar spent goes to the farmer.
- Creates greater variety of foods.
- Creates a sense of community and connection.
- Provides seasonal foods.
Michigan Farm Fresh Produce: Availability Calendar PDF
Recipes for Michigan Grown Produce
www.michigan.gov/mda/0,1607,7-125-1570_2468_50908---,00.html
Resources:
http://localfoods.about.com/od/finduselocalfoods/tp/5-Reasons-to-Eat-Local-Foods.htm
http://environment.about.com/od/greenlivingdesign/a/locally_grown.htm
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10 Top Reasons to Eat
More Fruits & Veggies--More Matters
fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org
10 - Color & Texture. Fruits and veggies add color, texture and appeal to your plate.
9 - Convenience. Nutritious in any form - fresh, frozen, canned, dried and 100% juice, so they're ready when you are!
8 - Fiber. Fruits and veggies provide fiber that helps fill you up and keeps your digestive system happy.
7 - Low in Calories. Fruits and veggies are naturally low in calories.
6 - May Reduce Disease Risk. Eating plenty of fruits and veggies may help reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and some cancers.
5 - Vitamins & Minerals. Fruits and veggies are rich in vitamins and minerals that help you feel healthy and energized.
4 - Variety. Fruits and veggies are available in an almost infinite variety - there's always something new to try!
3 - Quick, Natural Snack. Fruits and veggies are nature's treat and easy to grab for a snack.
2 - Fun to Eat! Some crunch, some squirt, some you peel, some you don't, and some grow right in your own backyard!
1 - Taste Great!
Sign up for free bi-weekly Sweet & Savory Tips @ www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/?page_id=89
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Buy Fresh - Buy Local: Select Michigan!
www.miffs.org/selectmich/events.asp
WATCH FOR THE FOLLOWING EVENTS:
July 24, 2008
"Buy Local" Farmers Market
Capitol Lawn, Lansing
August 22, 2008
Select Michigan Farmers Marketplace
Henry Ford Hosptial,
Grand Blvd Campus, Detroit
September 18, 2008
4th Annual Select Michigan Day Farmers Market
Capitol Lawn, Lansing
To find more details on the above events, events in your area, and/or find a market in your area, visit
Celebrate Michigan Farmers' Markets
www.farmersmarkets.msu.edu/
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With all of the positive reasons to buy locally grown
fruits and veggies, can you commit to buying locally and seasonally for one week?
Take the Eat Local Challenge
http://environment.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?
zi=1/XJ&sdn=environment&cdn=newsissues&tm=157&gps=
382_999_796_424&f=00&su=p504.1.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=0&bts=
1&zu=http%3A//www.eatlocal.net/
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