The Belmont Farmers Market continued to provide produce, affordable prices, and entertainment to visitors this past weekend.
Since it’s creation in 2019, the Belmont Farmers Market has continued to receive many annual visitors. Vendors sell everything from arugula to gourds. The Farmer’s market selection of exotic fruits is one aspect that separates it from traditional grocery stores.
“Big corporations like Whole Foods keep their produce stored, or it’s imported. I think it loses quality because it’s not as fresh,” said Christian Sanchez, a vendor.
Produce is not the only attraction of the farmers market; there’s also entertainment. The market features various live performers and offers storytime for young children as their parents browse the colorful produce aisles.
“It’s very family-friendly. All the vendors are easy to talk to, and it’s year-round. Also, the setup of the aisles is easy to walk through. You can walk through everything without having to go through a puzzle,” said Clint Bos, a vendor.
The market also offers fresh local fruit that, according to numerous customers, last longer than store-bought goods.
“People keep returning because the produce they get from us will last about two weeks, and at the store, it just doesn’t hold that long,” said Terry Andreotti, a vendor.
The vendors at the farmers market are experienced and are a reliable source for any food preparation and nutrition queries a person could have.
“I like talking to the customers, teaching people how to eat right, tell them how to garden, how to cook, how to make a soup, and how to sauté,” Andreotti said.
Along with good impacts on health, purchasing locally grown produce also has environmental benefits. According to the organization Go Green, buying locally reduces the amount of pesticide usage. Pesticides are harmful to many insect species, especially pollinators, due to their harmful toxins such as endosulfan.
According to The Atlantic, insect species are falling 2.5% each year. In addition, the toxins in pesticides also make it into the air and contribute to air pollutants.
The majority of vendors offer food that is produced without the use of chemicals or pesticides. The produce is guaranteed organic. Whether a person goes to the farmers market for organic products, affordable prices, or for the environmental benefits, the vendors claim you are bound to find something you like, exotic fruit, vegetables, popcorn, or maybe flowers.
“You can get seasonal fruits that are fresh and real. The vendors don’t add any polishing. It’s natural, and it tastes good.” said Tim Haas, a vendor.
