The Yummiest Way to Eat Green

Canada's fluctuating climate invites us to get excited about our spring and summer months. One of the best ways to do this is to get outside while shopping for groceries. Farmers' markets can be found across the country from early June until mid-October -- and not only in rural areas, but in urban centers as well. Toronto boasts more than a dozen markets across the city and that number doubles if you include the GTA. These markets carry everything from meats, vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers to artisan-styles breads, cheeses and baked goods.

So why is shopping at farmers' markets part of a green lifestyle?

Awareness: Shopping at farmer's markets forces the consumer to engage in the process of food production. When you are face-to-face with the farmer who has grown the food you are about to eat, you are likely to find a greater appreciation of it. We can become numb to the amount of effort that goes into the production of food when we only see it pre-packaged on grocery store shelves.

Local = Healthy: Much of the food sold at farmers' markets is organic and locally grown. Buying organic food promotes healthy farming practices and discourages the use of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in our foods. Buying locally grown food supports farmers in your area and encourages continued use of valuable farm land that could otherwise be overtaken by developers.

Eating locally grown food also comes with the added fun of tasting seasonal foods as soon as they pop out of the ground! Fresh Ontario strawberries in late June taste better than anything California has ever grown!

Environmentally Friendly: Supporting family farming shows that you don't support the environmentally detrimental practices of giant agricultural corporations. These corporations are known to be environmentally destructive, cruel to animals and producers of huge amounts of waste. Family farms tend to use more traditional methods of farming that are more sustainable.

Community: Many farmers' markets happen in a community space where shoppers can have a chance to relax outdoors with friends and neighbours. The perfect time to discuss your yummy purchases and secret recipes. Sure beats the sterile aisles of a grocery store.

So check your local newspapers and keep an eye out for a farmers' market near you. It's time to make food fun again!

By Allison Smith

Allison Smith
		About the author:
		Allison is a graduate student at Ryerson University in Toronto and the Green Editor for WOMAN.ca. She is a sometimes journalist who digs music and adventures. Her weaknesses include vegetarian food, men with beards and Ontario wines. She can be seen cruising the city on her bicycle, sipping organic coffee and dining at restaurants she can't afford. To Allison, the green movement has everything to do with moving towards a more natural way of life.
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