COVER STORY
Fresh Is Best
Heading to the Farmers Market ? Local Experts Weigh In
By CYNTHIA BURNS SPECIAL TO HEALTH QUARTERLY
Farmers markets beckon with the promise of fresh , locallygrown , organic products . Accordingtothe Farmers Market Coalition some markets concentrate on produce , while others carry everything from fruits and vegetables to bakedgoods , meat , eggs , flowers and dairy products . Asthe number of markets increase , so does the variety of foods available . Shop smart and be aware ofwhat ’ s in season , food safety , food labels and how toadhere todietary concerns .
Fresh Is Best
Fruits and vegetables are the biggest draw at a farmers market . There are advantages to buying locally grown produce says Janet Brancato , MS , RDN , with The Valley Hospital . The fruits and vegetables have not traveled far . Their nutritional content and compositionhaven ’ tbrokendown .
Julie Kay , MS , RDN , a nutritionist with the Shirvan Family Live Well Center for Englewood Health , concurs .“ Most produce loses 30 percent of its nutrients in just three days after it is harvested ,” she says . “ Spinach can lose 90 percent within the first 24 hours afterharvest .”
The Shirvan Family Live Well Center , opening this spring , promotes the health of the community the hospital serves . The nutritional component , led by Kay , is important because “ people with healthy patterns live longer and don ’ t have asmuch chronic illness .” Kayplans to offer a farmers ’ market program at the Center to educate people on seasonal eating when produce is at its peak and provides optimal flavor and nutrional value .
She adds , “ It ’ seasier to find fresh , seasonal produce at a farmers market when that ’ s what ’ s featured , rather than shopping in the supermarket .”
Shannon Roque , RDN , CSOWM , CDCES , with Atlantic Health System ’ s Morristown Medical Center notes that doctors and dietitians recommend a varied diet to maintain good health . “ You can geta varied diet naturally when you eat seasonal offerings from a farmers market .”
14 SPRING 2023 | THE RECORD HEALTH QUARTERLY | PREPARED BY THE ADVERTISING DEPT .