When you’re thinking about fresh fruits and vegetables this summer, take a trip to one of the local farmers markets in the region. 

Northern Kentucky’s farmers markets will start opening in May. Buying at local markets can help area farmers and the planet too.

Benefits of buying from local markets outlined include:

• Eliminating long-distance shipping and extra packaging. On average, food in the US travels 1,500 miles to get to you and spends weeks in warehouse storage, according to the Farmers Market Coalition. The fuel used contributes to greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. 
• Rotating seasonal produce can remind shoppers of the importance of predictable weather and good soil. Food at big-box grocers often come from commercial farms that use fertilizers and pesticides to keep crops healthy.
• Eliminating the middle man. By purchasing from local farmers your money stays in the community to help your neighbors.

Below is a list of local farmers markets.

Boone County Farmers Market
1961 Burlington Pike, Burlington KY
Open every day, May – October
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Late May to Labor Day opens at 9 a.m.

Covington Farmers Market
600 block of Washington Street., Covington, KY
Open Saturdays, May-October
9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Dixie Farmers Market
116 Commonwealth Ave., Erlanger, KY
Opens Thursday, April-October
2-6 p.m.

Independence Farmers Market
2001 Jack Woods Parkway, Independence, KY 
Open Saturdays, May –October
8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Kinman Farm Market
4175 Burlington Pike, Burlington, KY
Open every day mid-April-Christmas
10 a.m.-6 p.m.

McGlasson Farms
5832 River Road, Hebron, KY
Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday -Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Market of Fort Mitchell
75 Orphanage Rd., Ft. Mitchell, KY
Open Saturdays, May-October 
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Lunken Farmers Produce Market
226 Wilmer Ave., Cincinnati, OH
Open Monday-Friday, starting at 10 a.m., Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. -2 p.m.

Kremer’s Market
755 Buttermilk Pike, Crescent Springs, KY
Open, Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m-7 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.                              .

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–Crystal Harden, God’s Green Team member