Back to School at the Market
It’s back to school this week for many families in the area and the market vendors are stocked with diverse items and ingredients to help make your life a little easier. Not to mention, they will keep your kitchen filled with all things local and fresh.
In fact, bringing the kids to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market is a great way to include them as part of the meal prep process. Let your child(ren) select some of the produce and various food items and then invite them to help you prepare their selections for the week’s upcoming meals. Research demonstrates that the more that children participate in the meal preparation process, the more willing they are to try new foods and make healthier choices.
List making, shopping and prep time encourages the development of lifelong skills while allowing you to spend quality time together that’s both educational and purposeful. They will remember these experiences; and shopping a farmers’ market adds a whole new level of understanding about where food comes from.
As you begin your back to school meal planning thoughts, consider how locally grown and produced goods might fit into your overall weekly menu. This is not a full list, but some ideas of items you will discover at the market;
Breakfast – locally produced honey & maple syrup, breakfast meats, eggs, fresh baked goods including waffles, granola, yogurts, cheeses and other dairy items, packaged smoothies and more
The Lunchbox – fresh baked breads and other goods, locally produced jams and peanut butter, apples and other fruits, fresh vegetables, snacks and more
Easy Dinners – locally grown meats, seasonal produce options, baked goods, ready-made foods, herbs, seasoning, pierogis, and so much more
As children make new food discoveries, their palate and culinary adventures will expand. Let the market make your back to school shopping easy, fresh and fun.
The Saratoga Farmer’s Market is open on Wednesdays from 3- 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at High Rock Park in downtown Saratoga Springs. The Monday market at Clifton Park is open from 2-5 p.m. at the Shenendehowa Methodist Church on Route 146. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.
