National Farmers Market Week, August 3 to 9, is the perfect time for Oklahomans to explore their local farmers markets. Shape Your Future, a program of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), provides resources to make visits easier and more enjoyable. ShapeYourFutureOK. com has fun, family-friendly farmers market activities as well as tips, ideas and inspiration for choosing fresh, local produce.
Farmers markets offer more than just fresh produce. They support local farmers, introduce new foods and make it easier to eat healthy. A diet with many fruits and vegetables can increase energy, help children grow strong and lower the risk of health problems like obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
“Farmers markets connect communities to fresh, affordable food options that support long-term health,” Julie Bisbee, TSET executive director, said. “This connection is a core part of TSET’s work to make it easy for Oklahomans to make healthy choices in their local communities.”
Shape Your Future offers simple tools to help families shop at farmers markets:
• More than 400 healthy recipes using seasonal produce;
• A farmers market locator with locations across Oklahoma;
• An interactive scavenger hunt to help kids discover fruits, veggies and fun.
Whether it’s trying a new veggie, finding your local market or planning a healthy dinner together, National Farmers Market Week is a great time to reconnect with nutritious food and each other.
TSET also helps fund improvements at farmers markets across the state through grants. To learn about current or future funding opportunities, visit oklahoma.gov/tset/funding.
