Did you know that 9 out of 10 adults don’t eat enough fruits or vegetables? This puts them at an increased risk for many serious diseases such as diabetes, obesity and some cancers. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Five benefits of choosing locally grown produce
No doubt you’ve heard that eating a produce-rich diet can help you reduce your risk of many serious diseases. Summer in Minnesota is a great time to take advantage of the fresh, local produce available at your grocery store or local farmer’s market. Here's some benefits of doing so:
- It’s fresher. Locally grown produce spends less time in transit so it comes to you at the height of freshness.
- It’s more nutritious. Fresher means more nutrients have been retained.
- It’s safer. There's less handling and fewer chances for contamination.
- It’s easier on the environment. It leaves a smaller environmental footprint because it isn't traveling far.
- It supports local growers and farmers. Buy local!
Source: Medical West
Note: If you participate in the SNAP-EBT program, you can use “Market Bucks” at some farmers’ markets in Minnesota. Find out more about Market Bucks