With summer finally here, there is a wide variety of produce that will be in season for us to bring to our tables, and what better place to purchase these items than at our local Farmers’ Market! Shopping locally is a great way for families to spend time together, learn about different types of produce and practice utilizing the MyPlate meal strategy. It is also great way to support our local businesses.

Food sold at Farmers’ Markets is often less expensive and of higher quality than the food we purchase at our commercial grocery stores. Many of the Farmers’ Markets even offer Produce Perks to Ohio individuals and families using SNAP-Ed, which helps to increase the affordability of fresh food. Be aware however that there are also other items that can be found at the market that may not fit into your MyPlate plan. Try to steer clear of items with added sugar and saturated fats, which are the bad fats, that will just provide your body with empty calories. These would be items like pastries and certain baked goods. Concentrate more on “nutrient-dense” fresh food items such as produce with a variety of colors that will help you and your family get fiber and the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy.

At the Farmers’ Market you can learn exactly how your food was made, choose from a variety of in season produce, and get tips straight from the farmers themselves on how to prepare their goods. Challenge your family this summer to work together to find something new at your local Farmers’ Market to take home and prepare together!

You can find recipes and other meal preparation ideas for you and your family on the OSU Extension Clermont County website: clermont.osu.edu and SNAP-Ed’s website: celebrateyourplate.org

Clermont County Famers’ Markets:

Batavia Market: Saturday 9:00am to 12:00 pm
Located on Main Street Batavia, OH Across from the car wash, near railroad trestle.

Milford Market: Saturday 10:00am to 3:00pm, Wednesday 2:00pm-5:30pm
Located at 1005 Lila Ave, Milford OH, Milford Garden Center in Milford Plaza

Mt. Carmel Market: Tuesday 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm
453 Cincinnati Batavia Pike, Cincinnati, OH Sport’s Page Café Parking Lot

Wilfert’s Farmstand Amelia: Monday-Friday 12:00 pm- 6:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:30 am to 5:00 pm
1299 Ohio Pike, Amelia OH Across from Animal Rescue Bingo

Loveland Farmer’s Market: Tuesdays 3:00 pm- 6:00 pm
205 Broadway Street, Loveland OH

On the third Tuesday of each month OSU Extension Clermont County SNAP-Ed hosts cooking demonstrations on healthy ways to prepare the produce you purchase at the fair. Visit clermont.osu.edu for more details.

Mueller is a dietetic intern for Priority Nutrition Care Distance Dietetic Internship. Lauren is fulfilling the community rotation of her internship with Margaret Jenkins at OSU Extension Clermont County by practicing & providing nutrition services in a community setting.