Celebrating its 42nd year, the Anne Arundel County Farmers’ Market is the place to be for locally sourced, fresh ingredients. From produce to meats, dairy to desserts, coffee to cutting boards, and all things in between, this weekend event takes place on Saturdays from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm until December 28, and is open year-round on Sundays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Farmers’ markets provide the perfect environment for children to learn about produce and nutrition. Full of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other wholesome foods, kids get a firsthand look at what food looks like before it’s processed, which can spark curiosity about nutrition and healthy eating. Since most produce at the market is seasonal, this allows kids to learn about environmental and food cycles while understanding why certain foods are “at peak” during different times of the year.
With the push to support local and small businesses stronger than ever before, these markets also allow children to directly see those who are growing and producing their food. Making a personal connection with your butcher, dairy farmer, baker, and produce provider can help them understand the importance of supporting local businesses while also building a sense of community and connection.
As a parent, there are many ways you can help facilitate an engaging environment for your family’s trip to the market!
One way to encourage your children to learn is by giving them a small budget, just a couple of dollars. This will not only let them make choices, but will also have them compare prices, amounts/quantity of items, and different ways they can spend their money.
Another option is to create a list of items that your child has to “hunt” for. From different colors of fruits and veggies to different types of apples and berries, make sure the list has several options, as the products change weekly.
Talking to farmers will give your children and family greater insight into the food cycle as a whole, as well as the business metrics behind farming. Encouraging your child to ask questions and engage in conversation with the vendors will create a connection and feeling of community. Some starter questions include: “What’s your favorite way to cook or use (insert food)?”; “Why is (insert food) in season now?”; and “How did you make (insert product or baked goods)?” Encouraging future generations to continue the path that many of these vendors have taken today is one that most will not hesitate to do.
From supporting local businesses to cooking it up in the kitchen, the farmers’ market creates a new way for your child to learn about a multitude of things!
Local Food Finds