You don’t need a home garden to enjoy high-quality, fresh produce. Many local farmers markets offer fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables throughout the local growing season.

Shopping at these markets creates a sense of community, connects you with the growers and supports local agriculture. Produce at farmers markets is freshly picked (often only hours before). And even if it’s not grown organically, there are likely fewer chemicals than large industrial farms that may use post-harvest treatments to artificially prolong the produce.

“There’s no better way to get your daily intake of vitamins and minerals than eating fresh, seasonal produce,” says Cecelia Jacobson, registered dietitian with PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend. “You can’t beat the intense flavors and nutritional value of fruits and vegetables straight from the garden.”