Knowing What's in Season Is Key to Farmers Market Success

Claudia Cater, photos by Kelsey Smith |

Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market
Eau Claire Downtown Farmers Market

Shopping at the local farmers market is a great way to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs! The produce is harvested at the best time for freshness, which improves both the nutritional quality and the flavor of the produce. When you shop at farmers markets, you support family farms in the Chippewa Valley and neighboring communities. Visiting the local farmers market is a fun event for people of all ages.

Families who participate in the Special Supplement Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) are also offered $20 in farmers market vouchers per summer. The WIC Program provides food and nutrition information to help keep pregnant and breastfeeding women – as well as infants and children less than 5 years of age – healthy and strong. Farmers who accept the farmers market vouchers have received training on the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. They receive a yellow WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Vendor sign and ID number they post at their booth.

Here are some shopping tips for a great trip to the market:

• Shop early in the morning for best selection.
• Shop throughout the farmers market season. Different vegetables and fruits are sold each month.
• Let your child choose a fruit or vegetable.
• You will find that farmers have more produce to sell after July 15.