Melons and squash and tomatoes, oh my! From Oklahoma City to Tulsa and Ardmore to Bartlesville, Oklahomans have dozens of options to shop for local, fresh ingredients at the farmers market.
Just in time for summer produce, Shape Your Future, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) which encourages Oklahomans to eat better, move more and be tobacco free, has added a free resource to help Oklahomans get farm-iliar with local markets.
The new webpage, shapeyourfutureok.com/eat-better/farmers-market/, includes farmers market tips, videos and more for first time farmers market visitors and market pros. The site also offers an interactive map to showcase markets statewide, and highlights markets that accept SNAP benefits, Senior Nutrition Farmers Market Program benefits, and Double Up Oklahoma markets.
“Farmers markets provide an incredible opportunity to learn about healthy eating and the dedication local farmers have to growing crops in our state,” said Alyson Short, HLP Lead Project Director. “Connecting our community with local markets is a natural step for Shape Your Future, and furthers our goal of encouraging Oklahomans to eat better, move more and be tobacco free.”
Thinking of visiting a farmers market? Consider these tips before you go.
- Arrive early to get the best produce selection
- Scope it out – check out all your options before buying
- Bring bags – not all booths provide them
- Bring cash – not all booths accept cards
- Get to know your farmers – learn where your food comes from and ask about best ways to prepare your produce
- Be spontaneous – try new foods each time you go
Did you know? The Oklahoma Nutrition Information and Education (ONIE) project aims to improve the health of Oklahoma families by offering various nutrition and physical activity information and education materials throughout the state. Through ONIE, many farmers markets in Oklahoma accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The process is simple, just bring your SNAP card to the table that says ‘SNAP Accepted Here’ and they’ll give you tokens you exchange like cash.
Additionally, Double Up Oklahoma, a statewide healthy food incentive program, doubles the value (up to $20 per day) of federal SNAP nutrition benefits at participating farmers markets, helping people bring home more locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Claremore-area families are encouraged to visit the Claremore Farmers Market. The market, located at the Rogers County courthouse is open on Saturdays from 7 am until sell-out. For additional information about the Claremore farmers market, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/1463173620399984/
Once you stock up at the market, be sure to fill half your plate with fresh fruits and veggies at meal time. Not sure what to cook? Learn what’s in season by visiting [insert website], or get inspired by a Shape Your Future recipe at https://shapeyourfutureok.com/eat-better/recipes/.
