Here in Los Angeles , we've been going through an uncharacteristic cold snap. I hope you've found some creative ways to stay warm. At the market, the season for fresh food isn't going anywhere! Here are the Top 5 Reasons Why Buying from Your Local Farmers Market Brings Holiday Cheer to You and Your Community:

1. Fresh ingredients taste better, are more nutritious, and last longer. When you buy direct from the people who grow it, you get to ask when it was picked. More than likely you'll find that your food was still tethered to the ground in the last 72 hours and can stay fresh for up to several days longer than the same item in a grocery store! This also means more nutrients are available to you when you eat it.
2. Direct connection between producers and consumers helps both meet their needs. When farmers see how people respond to the introduction of a new product or sense the anticipation of an upcoming season, they will be able to respond more quickly and accurately to their customers' needs.
3. Nothing says you care like giving a gift from a local artisan. Buying from someone passionate about his or her craft supports more conscious livelihoods (i.e. sustainable, cruelty-free enterprise) in our community. A gift from a local artisan is made with love, and all the better! But don't take our word for it – the quality of the ingredients speaks for itself!
4. Supporting local businesses keeps the dollars flowing in our community. Did you know that when you give a dollar to a local business, it is more likely that that business will spend it within our local community? Also, buying directly from local producers eliminates the need for a middle man, thus ensuring fair wages for our farmers and local artisans. Instead of sending your money on a trip around the world in the global economy, you help support jobs here in our community!
5. Shopping locally supports a wider array of unique products. The flavor of an individual's taste is able to flourish in a neighborhood market like ours. The local-business model privileges distinct niches for local producers, thereby providing a more diverse selection for customers.