10 Must-Visit Farmers Markets in Philadelphia and New Jersey

A diet rich in a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables is important for weight control and can provide many other health benefits. And now is a perfect time of year to shop local.

An increasing number of farmers have been making their way to Philadelphia and the surrounding areas as a part of a nation-wide movement to buy local.

Did you know most of the fresh fruits and vegetables you purchase in your supermarket have already spent as many as 14 days in transit? Once produce is picked, it is still alive but it stops receiving nutrients from the source plant. Produce loses heat and moisture over time through a process called respiration, which is one way nutrients and flavor are lost.

Asparagus, broccoli, mushrooms, and spinach have very high respiration rates and lose moisture, flavor and nutrients quicker than apples or onions, which have low respiration rates. Spinach, for example, loses up to 50 to 90 percent of its vitamin C content within 24 hours of being picked.

This is why local food is fresher and tastes better than food shipped long distances from other states or countries.

Why Should You Shop Local?

Although, farmers markets may appear to be more expensive than supermarkets, fresh is often more nutritious. In other words, you may be getting more bang for your buck at a local farmers market.

Don’t worry about carrying cash: Most farmers’ markets accept debit and credit cards, making it easier than ever to purchase fresh foods. Plus buying local food keeps your dollars circulating in your community.

Shopping Local is a Fun Family Experience

Buying local can be fun for the whole family. It is a great way for kids to learn more about the fruits and vegetables on their plates. Most farmers are knowledgeable and eager to share information with their customers.

To learn more visit www.buylocalpa.org and www.pasafarming.org

Farmers Markets in the Philadelphia Area

The Food Trust Farmers' Markets

43rd and Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Tel: 215-568-0830
Saturdays, 10 am to 2pm

Clark Park Farmers Market

Cliveden Park Farmers Market
Chew Avenue & Johnson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Tel: 215-568-0830
Wednesdays, 2 pm to 6 pm

Fairmount Farmers' Market

22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Tel: 215-568-0830
Thursdays, 3 pm to 7 pm

Headhouse Farmers' Market

Second and Lombard Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Tel: 215-575-0444
Sundays, 10 am to 2 pm

Overbrook Farms Farmers' Market

Lancaster Avenue at City Avenue, (Overbrook Presbyterian Church), Philadelphia, PA 19103
Tel: 215-575-0444
Saturdays, 9 am to 1 pm
contact@thefoodtrust.org
http://www.foodtrustmarkets.org/markets.html

Farmers Markets in New Jersey

Collingswood Farmers’ Market

Between Collings and Irvin Avenues, Collingswood
http://www.collingswoodmarket.com/
Saturdays, 8 am to Noon

Camden Community Farmers Market

514 Cooper Street, Camden
http://www.camden-ahec.org/ahecservices/camdencommunityfarmersmarket.html

Our Lady of Lourdes Community Farmers Market

1600 Haddon Avenue
July 1 to October 28
Wednesdays, 2 pm to 5 pm

Camden Farmers Market

Walter Rand Transportation Center, Broadway
June 23 to October 27
Tuesdays, 10 am to 3 pm

Virtua Health Farmers Market

Atlantic & Mt. Ephriam Aves.
Thursdays 11 am to 3 pm
June 18 to October 29