Last Storrs Farmers Market of the season is Nov. 22

With the holidays come party invites... show your host or hostess your appreciation with a special, locally made gift such as honey or maple syrup, handmade goats’ milk soap or beeswax candles.

Storrs Farmers Market vendors currently have available apples, potatoes and squash, as well as salad greens, spinach, and onions.

Bakers offer fresh breads, pies and cookies - and can help you plan and order your holiday pies.

With the holidays come party invites... show your host or hostess your appreciation with a special, locally made gift such as honey or maple syrup, handmade goats’ milk soap or beeswax candles.

Farm fresh eggs, all-natural beef and pork are also available.

There are many benefits to buying local.

Locally produced foods are harvested when ripe, ensuring better nutritional value and taste.

And market vendors are happy to answer questions about how they raise their crops, and offer suggestions for preparing new foods.

Another benefit is the reduction in “food miles.” In the United States, the average distance from farm to supermarket is 1,300 miles, but the average distance from farm to Storrs Farmers Market is just 17 miles. From a transport stance alone, buying locally is a great step towards improving our environment.

Supporting Storrs Farmers Market and other sources of locally grown foods puts dollars back into the local economy. And, unlike in the supermarket, where only about 3 cents for every dollar spent goes to the farmer, your food dollars directly benefit the farmer.

Storrs Farmers Market opens at 3 pm this Saturday and closes at 5 pm., and is located in the parking lot between Mansfield’s Town Hall and E.O. Smith High School on Route 195.

Published Nov. 20, 2008