To market, to market: An experiment in local eating

Early Saturday morning, behind Summit Coffee on Main Street, volunteers pitch tall tents and pop open plastic tables in preparation for The Davidson Farmer’s Market. Farmers from Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Iredell and Rowan Counties unload crates of crisp apples, purple eggplants and scrumptious squashes.
The Davidson Farmer’s Market began in 2007 when a group of committed and enthusiastic neighbors approached Kate MacIntyre, the late director of Downtown Davidson, Inc. Since then, the market has grown to include over 30 producers.
In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, the market boasts cheese made from fresh cow’s milk, eggs, beef, chicken, pork and ostrich meat. Several bakeries, including The Hippie Kitchen, an organic and gluten-free bakery, also set up shop.
The Davidson Farmer’s Market’s mission of purpose states they desire to “promote a farmer’s market in Davidson that will provide a vibrant community gathering place with locally grown agriculture and horticultural products, educational materials and programs and family-friendly activities.”
Additionally, buying foods from local farms helps the environment. The food humans consume, from pink frosted Pop Tarts to perfectly pleasant peaches, accounts for 12% of global warming. The average meal travels 1,500 miles before consumption!
Choosing locally produced, organic foods cuts carbon dioxide emissions from food transport significantly. Global climate change destroys the environment and threatens species diversity. The local economy, as well as one’s personal health, benefits from the decision to “buy local.”
Ethical food production methods endure when local, organic farms are supported. Farmers receive about 20 cents of every food dollar spent at a grocery store.
Food bought directly from a farmer cuts the cost of transportation, processing, packaging, refrigeration and marketing. Consequently, the farmer’s profit increases and local produce remains affordable. In fact, organic apples bought at the market cost less than non-organic apples from the grocery store. The products sold at the farmer’s market typically taste fresher and retain a higher nutritional content than foods sold at the local grocery store.
A trip to the farmer’s market offers a unique experience. First, the market is outdoors.  Also, popular items, especially meat and eggs, are limited and shoppers should arrive early to ensure the best selection. Certain products, such as most fruits and vegetables, are only available seasonally. Many of the vendors only accept cash, and shoppers frequently bring their own canvas shopping bags to reduce the waste of paper and plastic containers.
Finally, talking with the vendors really enhances the farmer’s market experience, as many have interesting stories to share on the growth and preparation of their foods.
The Davidson Farmer’s Market runs every Saturday, May-Oct., 8am-12pm.  We hope to see you there!

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