Enumclaw Farms and Local Food: How Enumclaw Will Benefit From a Seasonal Farmers' Market

A seasonal farmers' market...

* Helps to integrate agriculture back into our community.

* Connects consumers with local and small farmers--"Getting to know the hands that feed you."

* Provides direct sales for local farmers, with no "middle man."

* Provides a variety of chemical- and hormone-free seasonal food.

* Supplements local foods with local products made by Plateau citizens.

* Includes people of diverse ages, cultures, and economic status.

* Provides a traditional and satisfying community event for residents on the Plateau.

* Increases tourism spending.

* Results in more patronage of other nearby businesses.

* Helps small farms to thrive and to continue into future generations through sustainable farming and direct sales.

Eating local foods...

DELIGHTS YOUR TASTE BUDS. When farmers don’t have to raise food that can travel long distances without getting spoiled or misshapen, they can raise foods that are more flavorful. Fresh tastes best anyway.
HELPS YOUR BUDGET. Foods in season are always the best buy. And foods from far away will continue to get more expensive as fuel prices climb.
INCREASES YOUR HEALTH. Local food doesn’t need chemical preservatives and irradiation to artificially extend its shelf life. Your body doesn’t need those things either.
BUILDS YOUR COMMUNITY. Local food production strengthens local economies. Selling directly to the consumer allows farmers to earn retail instead of wholesale prices. Then they, in turn, can spend locally. Interaction between producers and consumers helps us appreciate each other too.
IMPROVES YOUR ENVIRONMENT. Selling locally encourages farmers to diversify their products (as opposed to the more common practice of large-scale, single-crop monoculture), making it easier to farm in a sustainable way.

Enumclaw Farms and Local Food