Farmers market nearing end of season
According to a study done at the University of Vermont, shorter time between the farm and your table mean more nutrients. The less likely nutrients will be lost from fresh food. This is one reason the Idaho Falls Farmers Market has become so popular.
Buying local helps our local economy, one of the reasons the Idaho Falls Farmers Market has had their greatest season.
Kimberly Brooksby, of Abondance Artisan Breads, said, “It’s one of our best seasons, everyone loves our bread.”
“When you buy outside it’s made cheaper and you’re supporting big companies and it’s not a sustainable way to do it,” said Christina Bartnick, of Lark’s Meadow Farms. “But when you buy local you’re helping people here in your community.”
“Buying locally you get fresh apples. We pick them within the week frame so you get the fresh of the fresh,” said Julie Isom, of Isom’s Fruit Farm.
The economy grows, food is fresher, and perhaps even some health benefits.
“Everyone says local honey is better for you because it has all the pollens from around here,” said Brooksby. “Well, I think local produce is similar, it’s grown around here and it’s made by people here so you get the culture, I guess you would call it, of Idaho and Idaho Falls area.”
Each vendor has a story to tell.
“We have about 2,500 apple trees,” said Isom. “We have little store in Blackfoot that we sell from but we decided to bring them here to move them quicker.”
“Every time I would walk down the streets in France I would see them making crepes and I said, ‘One day I’m going to do that,'” said Greg Cramer, of The French Quarter.
“So I get up in the morning to milk around 5,” said Bartnick. “I go out and fetch animals and then it takes about an hour and a half to milk and clean.”
With the close of this season it’s clear the people are what vendors will miss most.
“Gosh we’ve met people from every continent here,” said Cramer.
“I really like getting to know people and seeing their reactions when they have the opportunity to try really good food,” said Bartnick.
Shoppers still have time to check out the farmers market, next weekend is the last week.
