There's nothing quite like a bowl of cool, ripened strawberries from my mother’s garden to end a long, sun-soaked afternoon in the city. But, sadly, we are geographically divided—and by a good three-hour drive. So, to satisfy my summertime sweet tooth, I often visit one of Kansas City’s many wonderful farmers’ markets. The natural food is fresh, locally-grown and cheap! In addition to these personal benefits, the markets help sustain local farmers and farmlands, reduce the fossil fuels normally used to transport commercial produce, and cultivate cooperative relationships between rural and urban communities.
On top of my beloved berries, local farmers’ markets offer a variety of other fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, plants and herbs, baked goods, flowers and crafts.
This summer, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art will be showing their support of local farmers’ markets by giving away FREE, environmentally-friendly, reusable grocery totes to marketgoers. The Fresh Art totes are made of tear resistant, water repellent, non-woven polypropylene fabric: durable and perfect for filling with plenty of local, healthy goodies...like you-know-what!
Join us Saturday morning, June 21, at the City Market Farmers’ Market to pick up your free Fresh Art tote. We will also be at the Downtown Lawrence Farmers' Market on Saturday, June 28. More dates to follow.