Do you shop for your fresh food and produce locally? If not, you may want to give it some serious consideration. Although today’s global market allows us to buy foods grown almost anywhere in the world at any given time, this option is not the most sustainable.

Buying in-season fruits and vegetables that are locally grown helps to eliminate the environmental damage caused by shipping foods across the country – and in some cases – the world. Not only does your food dollar go directly to the farmers, but you’re able to enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh, better tasting, unprocessed produce. According to the National Resources Defense Council, in-season foods for the state of Tennessee (and surrouning areas) include:

Asparagus Collards Gourds Greens Herbs Honey Indian Corn Mushrooms Blueberries (Georgia) Broccoli (Michigan, North Carolina) Cabbage* (Alabama, Georgia, Michigan) Carrots (Georgia) Green Peas (Missouri) Leafy greens (North Carolina) Lettuce (Missouri)

Peanuts (North Carolina) Pecans* (Alabama) Scallions (Missouri) Snap Beans (Georgia) Spinach (Missouri, Virginia) Squash* (Alabama) Strawberries (Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina) Sweet Potatoes * (Alabama, North Carolina) Vidalia Onions (Georgia) Yellow Squash (Georgia) Zucchini (Georgia)

Here is a short list of markets that sell fresh locally grown foods around The Meadows area. If you can suggest any other markets, leave a comment and let the community know!

Markets near The Meadows