National Farmers Market Week highlights fresh, local food on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

BILOXI, Miss. (WXXV)- National Farmers Market Week shines a spotlight on the people who grow our food.

More South Mississippians are discovering that shopping local offers more than just fresh produce.

WXXV News 25’s Asia Ellis takes us to the Biloxi Farmers Market to see what’s drawing customers in.

As National Farmers Market Week continues, farmers markets along the Coast have been showcasing fresh, seasonal produce while connecting customers with the people who grow their food, something many shoppers are looking for as food safety concerns continue to grow across the country. B’s Italian Cottage Kitchen Owner Brandi Taranto said, “When I started making my own bread, and just the difference I started feeling in my gut itself. I wasn’t feeling icky. Then I went to my butter, and I was like okay what’s so going on here? We’re not supposed to have all that stuff; we’re not supposed to be ingesting that. That is not for human consumption, yet we’re almost being forced to. I strongly suggest people to get your fresh vegetables, don’t get it at the store. It’s scary.”

With recent contamination concerns and food recalls making headlines, food safety measures have become an important part of the conversation as consumers pay closer attention to where their food comes from. Eri Queen’s Lemonade Owner Erica Scott said, “It’s so important to have fresh produce and have fresh fruits and vegetables to keep your body strong and keep going. This is the place to do it, at farmers markets. It’s also important for our children, I have four kids, and I’m teaching them hard work, to save, and financial responsibility because it’s important to keep your business financially strong too.”

Beyond the fresh produce, farmers markets provide a chance to build trust and have a better understanding of the food they bring home.