Editorial: Support the Albert Lea farmers market

Published 10:30 pm Tuesday, August 7, 2018

This is National Farmers Market Week, an annual event sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to recognize the value of the farmers market in our community and the role farmers have in our own local food system.

According to the Farmers Market Coalition, farmers markets not only provide increased access to fresh foods, but they also provide socialization with our neighbors, stimulate local economies and help preserve farmland and rural livelihoods.

The organization states there are more than 8,600 farmers markets across the country.

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If you’ve never had the opportunity to purchase something from our Albert Lea Farmers Market, we encourage you to take time to do so this week. Not only will you get some delicious produce, but you will also support our local farmers.

Don’t want produce? There are plenty of other things for sell, too.

According to the Albert Lea Farmers Market Facebook page, the market is at its peak of production, so there should be plenty of fresh produce, along with jams, jellies, salsa, pickles, honey, maple syrup, apple chips, baked goods, farm fresh eggs and baked goods.

There will be special children’s activities to celebrate the week during the market from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday.