Fill your plate with locally grown fruits and vegetables this summer
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EmailVisit local farmers markets to enjoy delicious, Michigan grown produce!
Michigan summers offer more than beautiful lakes and running rivers, they’re the perfect time to enjoy the fresh, nutritious bounty of local farmers markets. Supporting Michigan farmers strengthens our local economy and also provides access to seasonal fruits and vegetables that are at their peak from May through November.
Take advantage of the Michigan bounty all summer by purchasing locally grown produce. Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption is part of a healthy dietary pattern. Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and are packed with healthy nutrients like vitamin C, folic acid and potassium. MyPlate recommends making half your plate fruits and vegetables, so fill it up! Check out the Michigan Availability Guide to see what is available and in season by month and to plan meals around locally grown seasonal produce. The Michigan Farmers Market Association is a great website to search for markets across the state.
Did you know that some markets in Michigan accept nutrition assistance benefits?
There are several farmers market nutrition programs in Michigan that help families to get more fruits and vegetables from the market, including:
- WIC Produce Connection: WIC families can receive a $30 per client (up to $60 per family) added to their WIC card. These benefits can be used at authorized growers to purchase locally grown, fresh unprepared fruits and vegetables. Through this program, WIC Cash Value Benefits can also be used at authorized growers—whether or not you receive WIC Produce Connection benefits. Learn more here about using WIC benefits at farmers markets.
- Double Up Food Bucks: Families and individuals who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through an EBT card can receive up to $20 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables each market day. Participating farmers markets will match up to $20 of what consumers are planning to spend at the market using their EBT card.
- Senior Project Fresh: Older adults (60 years or older, or 55 years or older for those who belong to a Michigan federally recognized tribe or urban tribal group) with a limited income in Michigan are eligible for $25 in benefits that can be exchanged for fresh fruits, vegetables, and honey sold at local farmers markets and roadside stands.
Safely preserving fresh fruits and vegetables
When you have a bounty, what do you do with it? MSU Extension’s Food Safety Team has developed wonderful resources to know how to select, properly store and safely preserve a variety of fruits and vegetables using research-tested recipes. Check out the MSU Extension home food preservation programs. Additionally, Michigan Fresh has resources on growing, handling and preserving as well as healthy recipes from apples to winter squash and also has crowd favorites like strawberries, tomatoes and peaches. The Michigan Fresh bulletins include step-by-step instructions on how to can or freeze the produce.
