Midweek Motivator: Farmers markets feature fresh, locally grown produce and more (2024)

Crow Wing County farmers markets are open now until mid-October for your fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. They also offer a wide variety of meat and dairy products, baked goods, pickles, wild rice, maple syrup, jewelry, lotions, soaps, preserves, fresh cut flowers, and other canned goods. We are fortunate to have several farmers markets in our communities. Here is a list of some of the farmers markets in our area:

Brainerd Lakes Area Farmers Market

— Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Franklin Art Center, Brainerd

— Fridays, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at West Port Shopping Center, Baxter

— Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at American Legion, Nisswa

The Spot-371-Farmers Market

Wednesdays, 7 a.m. to noon at The Spot-371, Brainerd

Cuyuna Farmers Market

Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Main Street Plaza, Crosby

Northern Pacific Center

Thursdays, 3-7 p.m. at Northern Pacific Center, Brainerd

Ideal Green Farmers Market

Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. next to Ideal Fire Department on County Road 16, Ideal Township

Deerwood Farmers Market Co-op

Thursdays, 2-6 p.m. at State Highway 6/Forest Drive, Deerwood

Access to fresh, locally grown foods, for starters. That may be one of the best reasons, but there are many more. Farmers markets have fruits and vegetables at the peak of the growing season. This means produce is at its freshest and tastes the best. The food is typically grown near where you live, not thousands of miles away or in another country. Shopping at farmers markets also supports your local farmers and keeps the money you spend on food closer to your neighborhood.

Many farmers markets do paper and plastic transactions. In addition to cash, many farmers markets now accept credit cards, SNAP benefits, and other nutrition benefits. Remember to bring your reusable shopping bag!

Farmers markets feature what’s at the peak of season in your region, so you can often find your favorites, along with new items that will stretch your culinary imagination. Have you ever tasted gooseberries or rhubarb? Seen a Brussels sprout stalk? These are some things you might find (and be able to sample!) at your local farmers market. Who knows, maybe you will discover some new favorites!

On market day, farmers love to share their secrets. First among them are tips on how to prepare fresh offerings, so if you need to know what to do with kohlrabi or are looking for something to spice up your tomato salsa, just ask.

A great way to eat healthy is to put a spectrum of colorful fruits and vegetables on your plate. They are full of great nutrients, including antioxidants and phytonutrients. The more color variety, the better!

The Farmers Market is a great place to bring your kids for so many reasons! This provides a great opportunity to further food connection discussion.

• Kids are always curious. Seeds, dirt, water, then vegetables. It is powerful for kids to be part of this process.
• Have the kids ask the farmers questions: What do you love about farming? What is your favorite vegetable/fruit to grow? What is the hardest/easiest to grow?
• Have kids pick out their own produce and pay for it. This is a great learning experience to shop wisely and consider all the options.
• Get kids involved when cooking at home. Basic cooking skills open so many choices for them later in life.
• Farmers Markets provide family bonding and fresh air! This is a free activity to enjoy together and build memories. Some Farmers Markets provide scavenger hunts, games, planting seeds, taste testing, music, dancing, and other activities that provide community connection.

Other benefits include:

• Reconnect communities to their food system
• Provide fresh, local produce and healthy foods
• Support the local economy
• Bring the community together and help families build and reinforce traditions based on healthy living
• Increase fruit and vegetable consumption
• Provide fresh produce in food deserts
• Create job opportunities for small farmers and businesses

Crow Wing Energized was founded with the mission to “Improve health and wellness in our community by making the healthy choice the easy choice.” We know this is best accomplished when we work together to improve our communities, which is why we also recognize the works of other organizations and programs in our Midweek Motivator article. We want to connect readers to services, events, organizations, and resources that promote healthy living as well as healthy and productive workplaces. If you are interested in learning more about Crow Wing Energized and our upcoming classes and events visit CrowWingEnergized.org . You can also stay updated by following Crow Wing Energized on Facebook.