By Meghan Donnelly, Nutrition Volunteer and Lisa Zarny, MS, RD, CD-N, Clinical Nutrition Manager

Summer is a great time to eat well because of the abundance of fresh,
locally grown fruits and vegetables available. Purchasing seasonal produce has many benefits for your health, the community, and the environment.

Fruits and vegetables generally cost less while they are in season, so you can save money on fresh, nutritious food. Produce that is picked locally during its peak season also contains more vitamins and minerals than when it is picked in faraway places and shipped. Additionally, buying local supports farmers in the area, fostering a sense of community. During the month of June, strawberries, raspberries, broccoli, herbs, and cabbage are abundantly available in Connecticut.

Strawberries are some of the most popular June fruits in Connecticut. These little fruits are packed with vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and manganese. They also contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation in the body and boost your immune system. Even though their season only lasts for three to four weeks, strawberries are widely available at farmers markets in Connecticut during the month of June. . If you want to pick your own, be sure to check out Jones Family Farms in Shelton for a fun day of strawberry picking! (http://www.jonesfamilyfarms.com/)

Looking for a farmers market in the area? Beginning June 12th, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center (39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT) has a wide variety of seasonal and local produce available for purchase every Sunday from 10:00 am-2:00 pm throughout the summer. Some others in the area include the New Canaan Farmers Market on Saturdays from 10:00 am-2:00 pm (144 Oenoke Ridge Road, New Canaan, CT) and the Greenwich Farmers Market on Saturdays from 9:30-1:00 (Arch Street Greenwich, CT).

For more information on farmers markets in the area, visit http://ctnofa.org/FarmersMarkets.htm

Information adapted from:

• http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/ingredient-focus-strawberries
• http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/7_benefits_of_eating_local_foods