Summer is here, and the fields at Kids’ Food Basket are packed with produce! Onions and beets are bursting from the ground, vines are heavy with green beans ready for picking and plump tomatoes are starting to change color as they sweeten under the summer sun.
When it comes to fresh vegetables and fruits, Michigan is one of the best places to live. Our Great Lakes State is the nation’s top producer of tart cherries, cucumbers, black and navy beans, squash and asparagus!*
Michigan is second in the nation for agricultural diversity, with farmers and growers producing more than 300 agricultural commodities each year.* Our state’s four seasons nurture a variety of produce – from garlic that can be harvested in early spring to thick-skinned squash growing into November. All that variety adds up to some colorful, healthy and delicious options, ready to be picked and added to your plate.
Whether it’s growing your own garden or visiting a nearby farmers market, enjoying fresh produce harvested close to home has many benefits.
“It’s really important to find fresh, in-season vegetables because they’re more nutrient dense, tasty and sustainable,” said Sara Gropp, site lead for Kids’ Food Basket Farm – Kent County.
Buying local supports West Michigan farmers and cuts down on emissions created during the shipping process. Purchasing produce that’s in season can also save you money, as it tends to be less expensive. Additionally, Bridge Card holders can participate in Double Up Food Bucks at participating farmer’s markets and grocery stores, with a dollar-for-dollar match on up to $20 in produce a day.
The trick to harnessing Michigan’s harvest is knowing what’s in season and when! Here’s a handy month-by-month guide for what’s fresh, from July through October:
You can see what produce is ripe and available at nearby farmers markets on the Michigan What’s In Season website here.
And if you’re stumped on how to use your fresh vegetables and fruits, check out our easy recipes for kids and recipes for families.
Here’s to a tasty West Michigan summer!
*Source: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
