Taking Advantage of Jax Farmers Markets

Next time you’re at the grocery store, skip the produce aisle and try shopping at a farmer’s market instead. It’s the perfect family summer activity, and buying your fruits and vegetables directly from the source benefits you, local farmers and the community. Still not convinced? Here are some more reasons to buy fresh from the market:

Enjoy Eating Seasonally
At farmer’s markets, produce is sold when it is in season. Eating seasonally not only saves you money but it allows you to eat your fruits and vegetables when they are at the peak of flavor and nutrition. You’ll experience your produce with its most authentic taste. Click here for a guide on eating seasonally.

Connect With Your Farmer
You’ll get a chance to speak directly to the farmers growing your produce. Speaking with farmers gives you a greater understanding of where your food comes from and how it’s being grown. In addition, you might get some great tips, tricks and recipes for preparing healthy meals.

Support Your Farmers
By purchasing your produce directly from farmers, you can support farms, farmers and sustain farmland in the area.

Turn it Into a Family Event
With plenty of vendors to choose from and outdoor space, farmer’s markets can make for a great place to spend some quality family time. It is also an opportunity to connect with your community.

Check out our blog post on juicing and blending for ideas on how to use all your fresh fruits and vegetables, and stop by any of our favorite farmer’s markets in the area:

Jacksonville Farmers Markets
1810 West Beaver Street,
Jacksonville, FL 32209
904.354.2821
Open everyday, including holidays, from pre-dawn to dusk

Beaches Green Market
Jarboe Park, 5th Street
Neptune Beach, FL 32266
904.710.2022
Open Saturdays, 2-5PM year round  

Old City Farmers Markets
St. Augustine Amphitheater
1340C A1A S.
St. Augustine, FL 32080
Open Saturdays, 8:30AM-12:30PM

Town of Orange Park Farmer’s Market
1042 Park Avenue
Orange Park, FL 32073
Open on the first Sunday of every month for select months, view the 2015-2016 schedule here, 10AM-2PM