Submitted by Dr. Michael Day D.C., health column contributor
I have the Sunday farmers market at Marine Stadium set on my google reminders because it just can’t be missed. There are five throughout the week at various locations in Long Beach, and they’re a blast. Live music, and a gathering of the community every week.
Why shop at a farmers market? Well the website for certified farmers markets couldn’t say it any better: “California Certified farmers’ markets only allow California farmers to sell what they grow, so that you know where your food comes from. Farmers’ markets allow you to meet the farmer who grew your food. You can learn the best recipes, preservation techniques and prep tips for what you just bought.”
If you’re a Long Beach resident on a budget, there’s no better way to eat healthy too! By buying direct from the grower you are saving a lot of the shipment costs you would experience buying elsewhere.
If you’re concerned about the farming methods of the vendor most are happy to answer all your questions as well. There are several certified organic stands, and many more don’t use pesticides but have not gone through the lengthy process of getting certified organic.
I spoke with several of the growers and shoppers on my last trip to get behind their passion for eating and living healthy. It was so great to see the common ideas we share for health and the value we all place on it. I came away from my trip inspired about all the dynamic and exciting people here in the city that make it such a great place to live.
Here’s what several of the folks had to say:
Steven was running the natural bread tent and I stopped him to ask a couple questions….
What do you like most about the farmer’s market?
It’s all natural and/or organic and it’s all from California grown locally.
Tell me a little bit about you passion behind the breads that you make?
It’s all natural, you can understand all the labeling, we don’t use any preservative at all. We’ve been around since 1985, we’re pretty busy, and it’s a family business which is the best.
What’s your favorite natural item you come back for at the farmer’s market yourself?
The fish! The fish is the best, and my bread too! The fruits vegetables, plants, and olives are also great.
Billy Rose can be seen throughout Long Beach singing classic country-western music and was singing that day at the market.
How long have you been coming to the farmer’s market and playing your music?
Seven years.
Tell me what health means to you?
It’s all that matters!
How do you think music affects our life and our health?
Without music we are nothing.
What’s your favorite item at the farmer’s market.
Oh there’s so much! Apples, fruits, really everything.
Ann Stevenson was a Long Beach mom who talked to me about health, walking to the farmer’s market, and the best time to arrive.
What do you like best about the farmer’s market?
We just love to come here every Sunday after church to peruse and get all the best fruits and vegetables, and early is definitely the best time to come, later is usually so busy.
This is such a healthy idea for Long Beach, what are some other things we can do here in Long beach to live even healthier.
The arts and crafts fair right next door, and any support of local artisans where we can come and find unique and handmade products.
What is your definition of health?
A combination of eating healthy, and every opportunity to have an active lifestyle, even if it’s just parking and walking an extra hundred yards from your car to the market.
What’s your favorite item that you always come back for?
You know I love the honey! It’s local, natural, and so good.
Lionel Kozaczinski the owner of a local company producing homemade all natural granola and cookies spoke to me about life, granola, and the market.
What do you love most about the farmer’s market?
I love the people and to be outside. It’s a great way to do business.
What could people be doing more of to live healthy?
Eating more organic. I am doing organic granola now and it’s doing very well. It’s a little more expensive but worth it. As well, people should be conscious of their stress levels and stress management. It’s very unhealthy to stay stressed all the time. As well just eating fresh, I personally love oatmeal too.
John Ellis was a local shopper who was thankful for the great food, and also for the steps Long Beach is taking to become more bike friendly.
What do you like most about coming to the farmer’s market?
Just fresh local produce.
What are some other things other than the market Long Beach could be doing to build a health community?
I commute by bicycle. I think the bike lanes being put in are a great thing. As well just more awareness people are showing about commuters on bikes.
What does health mean to you?
Taking care of yourself, and what you put in your body. Exercising, and just being able to get up and do whatever you want every day.
The finished product