We all hear "Support Local," but what is the best way to do that? Farmer's Markets, of course! Farmer's Markets can be daunting, but are ALWAYS worth the trip. It is amazing what you learn from the folks you interact with, the food you come into contact with and the samples of a new flavor of feta or type of tomato. Understanding why Farmer's Markets are important is crucial for you and for your community.

(Wildwood Herbal)

1. You are supporting your local economy. Your money stays in your economy when you shop at a Farmers Market. This supports the farmer, who supports the bee population, who supports the other farmers, who supports your eating habits. Its a bigger circle than you might think.

(McConnell Farms)

2. You are sending their child to dance lessons, soccer game, and museum field trips. The money you spend at the Farmers Market is going to support a local family. Working sun up to sun down, growers and vendors are some of the most honest and hard working people around. They have families to support and a farm to keep in business. Trust me, they appreciate you more than you know.

3. It simply tastes better. There is no comparison to a locally grown tomato, locally baked bread or butter churned down the road. Trust me.

(Farmin the Sky)

4. You are supporting healthy farm practices. It is unlikely that your local farmers are practicing unhealthy, unnatural farming practices that harm the environment.

(Creasman Farm)

5. It forces you to shop seasonally, which is something we all need to learn. Shopping seasonally helps with allergies and overall health. If you shop seasonally, you are building better immunity and allowing your body to take in the nutrients it needs to stay well during each season. Sounds crazy, but dare you to try it!

(Full Sun Farm)

6. You get to learn how to prepare something you might be unfamiliar with. What better person to ask about an unfamiliar food than the person who grew it?! Farmers Markets are the best spot to learn new recipes, try new food and engage in the local food movement.

7. You are protecting the environment on so many levels. An average plate of food travels more than 1500 miles to get to you. By shopping local, you are saving fossil fuels, time, trash, food waste and water. It's a win-win.

(Sleight Family Farm)

8. You get to connect with your community. Striking up a conversation with a local grower is an incredible way to learn about growing seasons, backyard gardening, volunteer opportunities or what to take to your next tailgate.

9. You get a pretty big bang for your buck. Though it might be a bit more than conventionally grown produce, you get food at the peek of ripeness and you are likely paying less than a grocery store for organic produce. The health benefits are worth it. (You are saving yourself more dollars in health care later by buying healthy, local food now)

(Sunburst)

10. It makes you realize there are still honest, hard working people in the world today. No one works harder to make an honest living than our farmers. Give them the respect they earn and deserve.

(West Elm)

12. Last but not least, you get to carry a super cute bag or basket. This is a must. Farmers and vendors get annoyed when you do not have anything to carry your purchases in. Rookie move if you leave it at home.

(All food pictured (and the pigs!) are taken from Asheville vendors!)