Farmers markets promote smart, active choices
Combine shopping with health and nutrition, by adding a trip to the farmers market to your summer bucket list.
"In addition to picking up extra 'steps,' you can walk away with some fresh, local produce to use for your next snack or to plan your week's meals," said Jessica Gadomski, University of Illinois Extension SNAP-Ed educator and registered dietitian.
"Farmers markets also are a great way to support local agriculture, and your community, as well as learn about what you eat, where it comes from, and what to do with it," she said. "Farmers want to meet and talk with you, and what better source to find out how to incorporate a new or favorite food into your meal plan, than from those who grew it?"
Gadomski offers consumers a few tips to help ensure a successful market visit.
What's in season
"Not only does seasonal produce taste better, but it also provides the most cost effective option," she said. "In addition, it will help you know what to expect at the market and what to include when planning meals."
For a comprehensive list of produce in-season for Illinois, visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/localfoods.html.
Tips for picky eaters
Do you have picky eaters at home or admit you could do better with your fruit and vegetable intake? Remember fruits and vegetables should make up half of the plate at every meal, according to the USDA MyPlate food model.
"Engaging the family in the selection process increases the likelihood of them eating more fruits and vegetables, and of trying something new," said Gadomski. "For example, let each child pick a favorite produce item and a new one, taking turns each week. You could even have them rate them and keep track of your choices all season."
For more family activities and recipes, visit the "Fruits and Vegetables" link at snap.nal.usda.gov.
Be adventurous
Kohlrabi, for instance, may look strange, and many may be unsure of how to peel it, but its fresh, crisp taste may bring a pleasant surprise and texture to your palate and meals, said Gadomski.
"Kohlrabi is a vegetable I just tried for the first time at a farmers market a few years back," she confessed. "After speaking with a farmer on what it was and how to eat it, we now incorporate it in our meals regularly."
Other nontraditional options to keep an eye out for at Illinois Farmers Markets include: artichoke, eggplant, horseradish, kale, leeks, okra, rhubarb, Swiss chard and turnips.
Choose wisely
When selecting, avoid bruised or damaged produce. Keep in mind the amount you want or can use in a week, so purchases do not spoil, or consider preserving them for later in the year. Add to your healthy choices by looking for other MyPlate recommendations, such as whole grains, proteins and low-fat dairy products as well.
Know where to go
To find out more about your local farmers markets, visit search.ams.usda.gov/FARMERSMARKETS.
Take note of the days, times and locations, and also mark your calendars for National Farmers Market Week, which begins Aug. 2. Many markets do accept the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or WIC Fruits/Vegetables vouchers.
If you are a market manager interested in accepting the SNAP benefit via EBT at your market, contact University of Illinois Extension for assistance.
If you would like to learn more about INEP programs in your county, call Gadomski at (630) 584-6166 or visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/.
Local farmers markets
• Aurora: Three markets: Downtown from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, to Oct. 17, at Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway; East from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, through Aug. 27, at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 701 E. Eola Road; and West, from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, through Sept. 30, at West Plaza Shopping Center, 1901 W. Galena Blvd. <a href="https://www.aurora-il.org/events/farmersmarket.php">www.aurora-il.org</a>.
• Batavia: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, through Oct. 17, at North River Street between Wilson and State streets. More than 20 vendors will offer a variety of fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, meat, cheese, herbs, flowers, music and more. Kids activities will be offered Aug. 1, 15, 29, Sept. 12. Third Saturday offers Artisan Collective; shop for handmade items from your favorite artists and designers. <a href="http://www.downtownbatavia.com/farmersmarket">www.downtownbatavia.com</a>.
• Cary: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 27, in the western portion of the commuter parking lots near the train station off West Main Street at High Road. It features fresh fruits and vegetables, farm fresh eggs and meats, cheeses, baked goods and more. <a href="http://carygrovechamber.com">carygrovechamber.com</a>.
• Crystal Lake: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 17, at Depot Park, 70 E. Woodstock St. Features fresh produce, flowers, cheese, breads, eggs, meat, poultry, honey, baked goods and more. <a href="http://downtowncl.org">downtowncl.org</a>. Note: On Sept. 28, the market will be at Grant and Brink streets because of the Johnny Appleseed Festival.
• East Dundee: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, through October, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays, through September, at The Depot, 319 N. River St. Saturday will be a Depot Market with vendors selling arts, crafts, jewelry and collectibles; Sunday's food-focused farmers market will feature local farmers, producers and specialty vendors selling dog and cat treats, popcorn, pizza and barbecue sandwiches. <a href="http://www.dundeedepot.com">dundeedepot.com</a>.
• Elgin: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays, through Oct. 1, at 200 N. Grove Ave. at Kimball Street. Features 20 vendors with fruits, vegetables, meat, salmon, cheeses, bread, pastries, olives, spices, knife sharpening, a weekly component of arts and artisans. Food trucks also on site. <a href="http://downtownelgin.com">downtownelgin.com</a>. Returning this year is "HM in the PM," an evening market held 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, Aug. 20 and Sept. 17, inside the Grand Victoria Casino pavilion. Shop for local products such as local veggies, soaps, honey, and more.
• Geneva: Two markets: Geneva French Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 15, at Geneva Metra Station, South and Fourth streets. Features fresh produce, fresh flowers, baked goods, artisan jewelry and crafts; and Geneva Green Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays, through Oct. 29, at First Congregational Church of Geneva, 321 Hamilton St. Locally grown, minimally processed (or organic) fresh vegetables, cheese and frozen beef, freshly cut flowers, chef demos and a kids' corner. <a href="http://genevagreenmarket.org">genevagreenmarket.org</a>.
• Huntley: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 10, at Huntley Municipal Complex parking lot, 10987 Main St. Features fruits, vegetables, honey, flowers, jams, bakery items, dog treats, soaps, lotions, and more. On Aug. 1, craft fair and entertainment by Dave Gutshall; Aug. 8, free corn boil starting at 10 a.m.; Aug. 15, Home-Based Business Day; and Aug. 22, Garden Salsa Competition and Ice Cream Social for Special Olympics, with entertainment by Andy Huber. <a href="http://www.huntley.il.us">www.huntley.il.us</a>.
• St. Charles: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, June through October, at Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, Fourth Avenue and Main Street. Features fresh fruit and flowers from Michigan, vegetables, baked goods, cheese, meat and eggs, honey, jewelry, arts and crafts. <a href="http://www.bakermemorialchurch.org">www.bakermemorialchurch.org</a>.
• Sugar Grove: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, through Sept. 26, at village hall parking lot, 10 Municipal Drive (at Route 30). Featuring fresh produce, flowers, herbs, baked goods and crafts. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sgfarmersmarket">www.facebook.com/sgfarmersmarket</a>.
• Woodstock: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays through Oct. 31, Town Square, 101 N. Johnson St. More than 30 vendors with fruit, vegetables, breads, honey, cheeses, mushrooms, crafts and more. Live music 9 a.m. to noon each market. <a href="http://www.woodstockfarmersmarket.org">www.woodstockfarmersmarket.org</a>.