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A Reflection of Mom’s Organic Market

Hi Angels Working on Earth Family!

When I think of a farmers’ market, I think of various vendors who offer products, from vegetables, fruit, and DIY products. Farmer’s markets are never dull, as there is a lot to see and do.   Fruits and vegetables are generally picked at the peak of their ripeness when the plants’ natural sugars are at their most flavorsome. But we must also consider social justice and farming. What does that mean? It means eating with justice and considering the social, racial, economic, and climate impact when you make purchases.

The vivid colors of the products attract the patrons and, as a result, increase sales. Eating fruits and vegetables when they taste better provides the best nutrition because you want to eat more.  Plus, it’s full of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients, which is a win. Fiber is an active component of fruits and vegetables and a reason to continue to support their consumption (Slavin, 2012).  My grandparents had relatives who were farmers. When they were given food from family farmers, I recall the deliciousness of the freshly picked butter beans, peas, okra, and corn. Their food tasted better. I now realize it was because it is picked at the peak of ripeness and is incredibly fresh.

It takes people to plant, grow and harvest crops. Therefore, we must consider the impact of environmental racism and the number of food deserts in the United States. It’s not just an individual decision where food production and consumption are concerned. Politics and systems determine who has healthy grocery options available and who does not. We also can’t ignore the climate change and poor health related to the lack of sustainability. We depend on the fruits and veggies to be beautiful, and abundant. When you visit some farmers markets the produce is more abundant and larger than store-bought produce. You can tell just how nutritious the fruits and vegetables are by sight alone.

I was not able to visit a farmers’ market for this reflection. Instead, I tried to find the next best thing. I decided to vlog my experience at MOM’s Organic Market. Organic food is without synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, or pesticides that pollute your body and your world (Lair, 2016). MOM sells organic produce, so I thought it might be compatible with a farmer’s market.

The store was immaculate and orderly. The vegetables and fruits were beautiful. I spoke with Adonis, in the produce department, who was very knowledgeable. In season are the winter squash and pumpkins. Various varieties of apples come in and out throughout the year. More varieties of tomatoes, kale, Bok choy, and greens are stocked. Muscadine grapes came in from the South and are popular with customers. Carving pumpkins are popular too. Tips for picking a sweet melon are in the exterior color and firmness of the melon—MOMs stop carrying melons when they lose their flavor. MOM’s supports social justice by supporting various respected vendors in Virginia and Maryland. They appear to consider where the food was raised and what kind transport went into that process. This approach supports local farmers and keeps the carbon footprint of your food relatively low (Levy. n.d.). 

How do you compare produce at the grocery store to a farmers’ market? Usually, you’ll see that the supermarket fruits and vegetables pale in comparison. I have learned that vivid colors in fruits and vegetables reflect the nutrients they contain. Also, many local farmers cultivate extremely nutritious produce through their careful farming methods.

For my next blog post, I may buy a tomato from the supermarket and a gorgeous heirloom tomato from the farmer’s market. Then, taste them side-by-side and see what I think. The challenge for the grocery store is to trust that the vendor will deliver the best products. The farmer’s market has more accessibility to fresher produce as the vendor is usually the farmer. I had a great experience at MOMS.

Recommendation

I recommend that you visit your local farmers market, and grocery store. You will want to know the farming practices, if the food was purchased locally and what stores have healthy grocery options available and who does not?

If you want to view my experience, please click on the vlogs tab. I hope you enjoy it. Please like, share, and subscribe.

References