The Fabulous Farmers Markets of Oz

Food is a common denominator.  Whatever our differences may be, we all need to eat, and food has a way of bringing people together.

In the past several years, the push to buy local food has even surpassed the trend to buy organic food; this is because the money that we spend on locally grown food stays in our local economy, and also because the food doesn't travel as far to get to us, which means it's kinder to the environment.  Additionally, in our age of electronic disconnect, people have a need to reconnect -- even as far as to connect with the people who are producing the food we eat.  One of the best ways to do this is at a Farmers Market.

With the new addition of the Fredonia Farmers Market this year, Ozaukee County can now claim a total of six Farmers Markets to attend over the spring, summer, and fall.  Even better, the markets are spread throughout the week, so you can buy local food throughout the season, throughout Oz!  Here is the lineup:

• Sundays  from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 19th - October 30th in Saukville
• Saturdays from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., June 4th - October 29th in Port Washington
• Tuesdays from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., June 14th - October 25th in Thiensville
• Wednesdays from 2 - 4 p.m., June 15th - October 5th in Fredonia
• Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., July 7th - October 20th in Grafton
• Fridays from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., June 3rd - October 28th in Cedarburg

What to do if you want to buy local, but can't get to a Farmers Market?  Ozaukee is very lucky to have two grocery stores that really support local food:  Outpost Natural Foods in Mequon, and Slow Pokes Local Food in Grafton, which also specializes in gluten-free food.  

Every time you purchase something that is produced locally, you are casting a vote for that item; telling suppliers that this is the kind of item you prefer to purchase.  The more local food we purchase, the more local food will be grown, and the better for our local economy and our health!