In praise of farmers markets

Although I’m no longer a strict vegetarian as I was for many years, I still reside as low as possible on the food chain. In other words, I love my veggies!

I’m also trying to be more of a “locavore” when it comes to produce. In the past, it wasn’t always easy to find locally grown fruits and vegetables, especially when you live in the middle of a fairly large metropolitan area.

Thank goodness for urban farmers’ markets! They’re springing up all over the place and they’re great places to shop for fresh produce as well as homemade specialty products like jams, breads, etc. In fact, they’re becoming popular attractions in some areas.

I read recently about one being held in Maywood, Illinois, by Loyola University Health System and students from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine (among other sponsors). Normally, the idea of going to ANY event connected to a medical college wouldn’t appeal, but this one is truly different and I hope it’s the leading edge of a trend.

Since it began, the Annual Maywood Multicultural Farmers Market has been a nutritional lifeline to the people of Maywood, an area that has high levels of chronic illnesses that are partially caused and worsened by poor eating and exercise habits.

“For years, Maywood residents had no access to fresh fruits and vegetables, which could help prevent serious, chronic health problems,” said Lena Hatchett, PhD, assistant professor, Department of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology at Stritch. “We’re proud that we were able to provide badly needed produce and we plan to do so for many more years to come.”

Through October, Maywood area residents are able to purchase low-cost ethnic fruit and vegetables, herbs, arts and crafts, flowers and gourmet items produced by local Latino, Asian-American and African-American farmers and gardeners at the market. The number of vendors and the variety of offerings will widen as the growing season progresses.

The market also features entertainment; gardening advice; tips on cooking low-fat, nutritious meals; free samples, methods to lower stress and reduce weight, fun exercises, and information on the link between diet and blood pressure and hidden fat in foods. Medical students will offer free blood pressure checks, blood-sugar level screenings and obesity awareness during the health fair. I’m hoping non-medical health care providers will have a strong presence as well.

Doesn’t that sound better than buying chemical-laden vegetables at Safeway?

To find a farmers market in your area, check Local Harvest (http://www.localharvest.org/)