May 3 — Buy local produce at market to support farmers

The annual return of the Farmers’ Market in downtown Puyallup provides a wonderful way to support local farmers. It’s easy to grow angry about the disappearing farmlands in the valley but it’s difficult for local farmers to make a living. Some farmers decide to sell their farms to developers, who turn lush land into apartment buildings, and others with land zoned agricultural have problems paying the bills. Markets like the one that comes to Puyallup every summer make it easier for farmers to make ends meet. Granted the Farmers’ Market won’t fill a pantry, but it will supply healthy foods that are locally grown by our neighbors. Plus, what other time do you get to meet the farmer who has grown the produce you eat? Farmers need the help and support of the community in making sure valuable land doesn’t continue to shrink. In other words, buy a flat of strawberries when the market opens this weekend and support our local farming community.