Is there anything better than wholesome, fresh, tasty produce? There is: knowing exactly where it came from.

“National Farmers Market Week, celebrated every first week in August, from Aug. 6 to Aug. 12 this year, is the time of year where local farmers are provided with an extra opportunity to market the goods they grow,” National Today reports. “It also serves as a way to advertise and promote the numerous benefits of organic produce, as well as the value of such markets for a community. Farmers markets not only make a nation healthier but also give back to the community by providing jobs.

“A farmers market essentially is a place where food is sold directly from the farmer to the consumer. This means there are no middlemen, nor is the food kept in freezers for days and weeks before it reaches someone’s kitchen. ... The produce is not genetically modified and is extremely nutritious.” Seeing the benefits of organic produce, the U.S. Department of Agriculture proclaimed the first National Farmers Market Week in 1999, the article continues.

Three market produce venues in the area - Northampton Farmers Market, Bath Farmers Market and Melvin’s Farm Stand - are great places to visit to purchase local produce. The Northampton market takes place 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays at Municipal Park, Smith Lane and Laubach Avenue. The Bath market is open 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays at Monocacy Creek Park, West Main Street. The farm stand welcomes patrons 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at 327 Front St., Catasauqua. There are Facebook pages for all three, which introduce new vendors, announce events, showcase winners and more. They will be open through September.

In addition to a variety of farm-fresh produce, at Bath Farmers Market Aug. 5, there will be a Lego contest, with prize categories based on the age of participants. Then, coming up Aug. 12, Veronica Laroche, director of Northampton Area Public Library, will have story times beginning 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Also, you can visit the library’s tent to sign up for a library card, check out a book and receive a free coloring-changing cup with a straw.

At Northampton Farmers Market, Pat Knopf, market director, has a monthly loyalty card program. Fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, honey, succulents and more can be found when shopping.

Melvin’s Farm Stand features “fresh, local, farm fare and seasonal events,” according to the Facebook page. Seen at the stand recently have been vendors selling jewelry, corn on the cob, canned goods, lemonade and more.

Here in the Lehigh Valley, we are lucky to have many more farmers markets at locations in Allentown, Bethlehem, Hellertown, Emmaus, Macungie, Upper Milford and Slatington. The farmers and vendors who produce their products with care, compassion and health-conscious practices deserve support from their communities.

“This National Farmers Market Week, understand the essence of organic food and have the time of your life by partaking in the fun events, contests and activities held to honor the week,” National Today reminds readers in the article.

What are you going to pick up this week?

Stacey Koch

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press