We are fortunate to live where we have dozens of farms and vibrant farmer’s markets. It’s easy to find local produce. Some of it is as close as a bike ride to the neighborhood farm stand, local co-op, farmers market or grocery store.
Farmers markets are great options for local vegetables fresh from the farmer. Olympia’s market is open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday through Sunday at the north end of Capitol Way. Tumwater’s is open on Wednesday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on the southwest corner of Israel and Capitol Boulevard. The new West Olympia Farmer’s Market is open on Thomas Street between Garfield Elementary and Woodruff Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. -3 p.m.
To find a farm or farmers market near you, check out the local farm map at communityfarmlandtrust.org.
The Lucky 7 convenience store on Fourth Avenue East now carries produce from Left Foot Organics farm and hosts a farm stand featuring produce from Rising River Farm on Wednesday afternoons from 3-6 p.m.
• Thinking organic? Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet should be the priority. Organic produce may not always be available.
To help make healthful choices, the Environmental Working Group has put out its “Dirty Dozen” list of fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticides (including apples, celery and strawberries) in produce as well as their “Clean 15” (including onions, corn and pineapples) to help consumers make smart choices based on budget and produce availability.
• Food for thought: Buying local has positive impacts on our health, the environment, and helps build a strong local economy. A box of conventional tomatoes shipped 1,000 miles from another state requires a lot more energy to produce than locally produced organic tomatoes. When you can, buy local to keep your money moving through our local economy.
• A sweet combination: Summer offers a bounty of opportunities to add a variety of healthful fruits and vegetables to our diets.
For more information on healthful eating this summer and throughout the year, visit co.thurston.wa.us/health/personalhealth/chronicdiseaseprevention.
Dr. Diana T. Yu is the Health Officer for Thurston and Mason counties. Reach her at 360-867-2501 or yud@co.thurston.wa.us.
