This is it, folks...

By Contributing Author: Sharon A. See

​It’s hard to believe that another market season has come and gone already. Especially since it still feels like summer outside.
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Have you given any thought to how you’ll replace the farm fresh items you’re used to finding at the Monroe Farmers’ Market? I’m getting a little anxious just thinking about it. I can relate to the squirrels and chipmunks in my backyard who are feverishly storing nuts and seeds for the winter. I want to do this too! I want to go to the market on Friday and pack the car with tons of fresh, local food. But, that’s not really going to work. So, let’s talk about other options.

First off, there are still several more weeks of growing season in our region. Many of the farmers and producers at the market will continue to have produce and other items until at least Thanksgiving. Maybe longer if the weather continues to stay unseasonably warm. 

Come to the market on Friday and talk to your favorite vendors. Find out how you can continue to purchase from them. Many of the farmers have farm stands on their properties. Ask where they are located and their hours of operation.  And many of the vendors who sell specialty items or prepared foods sell their products at retail establishments in the area. I’ve already started gathering contact information from a number of my favorite vendors so I can stay in touch with them during the off season.

Once the ground freezes and growing season ends, you’ll need other options for fresh vegetables and produce. The local grocery store is usually this option for most families.  Earlier this season I wrote an article that you may find helpful. I talked about the different ways our food is grown and or produced. In this article I tell you what to look for in the grocery store and what questions to ask to ensure that you are buying the cleanest, healthiest food available to you.

Don’t give up on your fresh vegetables and unprocessed foods over the winter. It takes a little more effort, but your health and the health of your family are worth it. If you feel that you could use a little help and support with this, please reach out to me. We can schedule a time to talk.

And at the very least, let’s stay in touch until next season. Follow me on Facebook, visit my website for recent blogs and articles, and subscribe to my newsletter. You can find all the links below. 

Have a happy and health winter and spring until we see each other again at next year’s market and thank you to all those who make this market a success each and every year. 

About Sharon A. See
I hope you find these suggestions helpful. And if you’d like some customized strategies for you and your family, please reach out to me. Or, if you have farmers’ market or healthy eating related topics you’d like to hear more about or questions you’d like answered, please feel free to let me know. You will find my contact information below.
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Sharon A. See
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Vitalized Wellness
Shelton, CT
 
You can find me and other interesting articles, resources, and recipes on my website at www.vitalizedwellness.com. You can also sign up for my e-newsletter.

Follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vitalizedwellness.