Most weeks, you will find my family spending time at one of the many local farmer’s markets in our area. Almost every community now has at least one farmer’s market each week (lots of areas even have several different markets) where you can buy fresh, local, healthy food for your family.

One of our favorite markets to go to in the Lehigh Valley is the Easton Farmer’s Market, located in the center square of Easton. Established in 1752, it is the oldest, continuous, open-air market in the United States. It features local bakeries and eateries, organic fruits and heirloom vegetables, organic meats and dairy products, flowers and botanicals, all-natural pet treats, and so much more. My kids have a ball running around the fountain at the center square and helping to decide what we should buy each week. They have even gotten to know some of the vendors and enjoy stopping by to say hello to them.

The majority of farmer’s markets hold events and activities for kids. This past weekend at the Easton Farmer’s Market, they had the “Zucchini 500” where kids could carve and decorate the zucchini of their choice to race on a track. Kids were given stickers, flags, axels, wheels, and plenty of adult assistance to create their zucchini car for the race. It was loads of fun! Easton also runs the weekly Little Sprouts program on Saturdays to “celebrate nature, food, farming, healthy eating, and good nutrition.”

Exposing kids to farmer’s markets is such a fantastic way to make healthy food fun and get even the pickiest of eaters to try something new. The variety of colors and smells of food at these markets is sure to entice your little ones. It’s also a great way to help your kids develop a sense of community by getting to know your local farmers and vendors (who usually love to talk about what they do) and learn about sustainability. Your kids will also begin to understand the connection between supporting your community and economy by spending your family’s money locally.  Going to local farmers markets gives them a sense of the bigger picture and gives you an opportunity to have all sorts of interesting conversations with your kids about conservation, healthy eating, farming and sustainability and a whole lot more.  

Most farmer’s markets are very pet friendly. Don’t forget to take your reusable shopping bags for all of your produce and baked goods. For more information on farmer’s markets in your area check out http://www.localharvest.org.