Summer is a ripe opportunity to teach kids about loving local food. When it’s time to close the school books in our town, the farmers market opens. With the open market comes lessons about diet and the quality of food we choose for a healthy lifestyle.
Moms can use the market as a classroom for a lifetime of wellness.
During our family visits to our local farmers market, we’ve enjoyed a bounty of benefits. The obvious ones fit into my market basket, but others grow in the habits, understanding, and hearts of our kids.
- Market days show our kids that real people grow real food. We love “the pepper man” and “the mushroom man” and the local baker. As we ask questions of the growers, hear insider information about the food we eat, and find passionate appreciation for the process of planting.
- Market days give us a chance to mix and mingle with people in our community. Our favorite market draws a wide range of locals, giving our kids an education & appreciation for different people. We’ve enjoyed conversations with colorful characters, providing valuable modeling about how to engage others.
- Market days give us an education in growing seasons. We’ve learned to anticipate lettuce in May, strawberries in June, corn in July, and peach pies in August. Shopping “in real time” helps us know how various crops unfold in our region. We remember that a Creator is behind the plants, not just a processing plant.
- Market days inspire us to cook unpackaged, unprocessed food. Colorful produce and fresh off the vine smells motivate us to cook what’s fresh and enjoy the harvest. We eat a wider variety of foods when we go to the market. We’ve practiced using our budget and planning meals, based on available choices. (The early bird really does get the worm!)
Wandering through our local market gives us a taste of God’s creation and a greater appreciation for people. Each year, we know, “The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.” (Psalm 85:12) By making the market part of our family routine, we appreciate God’s provision and pass on healthy habits to the next generation who may never have the chance to plant a crop or ride a tractor.
Even if you find yourself in an urban setting, container gardening, or battling a not-so-green thumb, the farmers market is a bountiful place to grow a healthy child who loves local food.
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REGISTER NOW for the
2014 M.O.M. Conference ~ BETTER TOGETHER
July 31st – August 2nd,
Jacksonville, Florida at Trinity Baptist Church
Registration Information, Location, List of Breakout Sessions, Descriptions of Workshops, Conference Speaking Team, Better Together Conference Flyer, Better Together Bulletin Insert (Full Color), Better Together Bulletin Insert (Black & White), Better Together Conference Cards (Postcard Size)
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