Five reasons to visit an Iowa farmers market this summer

Recently, I followed a friend’s recommendation and visited the Rinehart family’s drive-thru farmers market, northwest of Boone. I was craving fresh tomatoes and sweet corn, and honestly, I also needed a mini summer escape from parenting duties.

So I got in my car on a sunny Saturday morning, pressed play on an audiobook and took a scenic drive through the Des Moines River valley.

Boone County Farm Bureau members Greg and Polly Rinehart, along with their kids and grandkids, started the weekly drive-thru market on their farm during the 2020 pandemic, when many other farmers’ markets were canceled.

Today, their Iowa farm has become a favorite local destination for fresh produce and community connection.

During my visit, their grandkids walked up to the vehicles, took orders and bagged up the produce, so the drivers never had to leave their air-conditioned trucks. You can also park and stroll around the farm for a more traditional farmers market experience.

In addition, the Rinehart family cooked up fresh breakfast sandwiches and burritos to go. I bought a cherry lemonade to cool off from the heat and humidity.

And the best part: My family enjoyed their incredible fresh produce for days - sweet corn, red potatoes, and ripe tomatoes for BLTs. It was well worth the drive.

Celebrate farmers markets

During National Farmers Market Week Aug. 3-9, Iowans are encouraged to visit their local farmers markets and celebrate the value they bring to the community.

Iowa is home to over 200 farmers markets and ranks in the top five for the number of farmers markets per capita.

If you haven’t visited an Iowa farmers market yet this summer, here are five great reasons to visit one near you:

1. Support Iowa’s local economy.

Farmers markets boost local economies. Iowa’s markets generate over $59.4 million in gross sales annually through direct and indirect market activity, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

2. Help young and beginning farmers.

Many young and beginning farmers get their start at local farmers markets. Growing produce or raising livestock is labor intensive, but it can be a lower-cost way for beginning farmers to expand their business.

3. Enjoy free, family-friendly entertainment

Farmers markets are more than shopping destinations. They are community gathering places. You will often find local musicians, free food samples, lawn games and activities for kids.

4. Eat healthier with fresh produce.

Most Iowans don’t eat the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Farmers markets make healthy eating easier by offering fresh, seasonal produce that the whole family will enjoy. (I have yet to meet a picky eater who doesn’t love Iowa-grown sweet corn!)

5. Taste the difference of fresh, local food.

You can’t beat the flavor of a locally grown tomato. Iowa farmers grow produce varieties suited to our state’s rich soil and climate, and they don’t need to worry about long-distance shipping. That means Iowa-grown apples, sweet corn and tomatoes simply taste better, because they’re fresher.

Iowa Farm Bureau supports farmers markets

Iowans love their farmers markets, and Iowa Farm Bureau is proud to support these markets and the farmers who work hard to provide nutritious meat, dairy, eggs and produce for our families.

This year, the Iowa Farm Bureau donated more than 1 million recyclable plastic bags to over 1,700 farmers market vendors across the state.

The market bags help Iowa farmers save on supply costs and make shopping easier for customers. This is the 17th year Farm Bureau has made the donation.

I spotted the Farm Bureau bags at the Rineharts’ market, ready for customers to fill with fresh sweet corn, peppers and tomatoes to take home.

Whether you’re craving tomatoes or a summer escape, Iowa’s farmers markets offer something for everyone.

To learn more about how Iowa farmers work hard every day to provide safe, nutritious food, visit RealFarmersRealFoodRealMeat.com.

---