There’s nothing like enjoying cheese and wine from local shops and vineyards around the community or biting into a crisp apple grown across town. Buying local means supporting our friends and neighbors and knowing that what you’re getting is fresh and healthy for you and your family to enjoy. By visiting our local farmers market, you can feel good knowing that your family will be eating nutritious food while supporting our local economy. Onondaga County is home to almost 700 farms that span over 150,000 acres, producing everything from fruits and vegetables to wine, Christmas trees and dairy products.¹ One of the best ways to get first pick of these products is to visit your local farmers market. There are not only fresh produce and goods offered, but also delicious homemade creations. Baked goods, dips or snack foods can make the most of these New York products, along with artisan cheeses, jams, jellies and spreads. A farmers market gives the community a chance to come together and socialize, but it also gives you access to the farmers and artisans who know their products best. Buying organic and avoiding genetically modified and chemically treated foods is often a priority. Unlike your traditional grocery store, you can easily ask questions about how each product was grown or processed and feel confident that you’re serving your family the healthiest meals possible. In addition to purchasing the foods available, you may also want to grow your own fruits and vegetables in your backyard—not only are seeds and starter plants available at the farmers market, but the people there can give you tips on how to care for your new garden and harvest produce as flavorful as theirs. There are a number of farmers markets here in Central New York for you and your family to enjoy. Consider checking out the following markets to get all of the benefits of shopping local this season:

• Bayberry Plaza Farmers Market
  Route 57
  Liverpool
  Wednesdays, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., May-Oct.
• Fayetteville Farmers Market
  Towne Center
  Fayetteville
  Thursdays, 3-7 p.m., June 5-Oct. 30
• Manlius Farmers Market
  1 Arkie Albanese Ave.
  Manlius
  Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., May-Oct.
• CNY Regional Market
  2100 Park Street
  Syracuse
  Saturdays and Sundays, 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Year-round and Thursdays, 7 a.m.-2 p.m., May- Nov.
• Kings Corners Farmers Market
  Intersection of Routes 80 and 11
  Tully
  Tuesdays, 4 p.m.- 7 p.m., August