People should keep their purchases local and learn where food comes from as local farmers markets on the Palouse continue running weekly through October.

The Pullman Farmers Market occurs from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoons at the WSU Visitor’s Center while the Moscow Farmers Market occurs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays on Main Street.

At both markets, you can find a variety of fruits, vegetables, meats and local art. Shopping from these local vendors helps many individuals make a large amount of income. 

Grocery stores offer a lot of convenient sources of food. However, if you are going to spend the money at a nationwide supermarket, you might consider buying the same product from a local vendor. 

“The more that you spend locally, the more that comes back locally, and the stronger your economy here is,” said Margaret Parsley, co-owner of Omache Farm. 

Omache Farm is located 9 miles outside of Pullman, and it sells a variety of vegetables, eggs and lamb. It offers a Community Supported Agriculture box subscription in addition to selling at the Pullman and Moscow farmers markets, Parsley said. 

The farmers market is the main staple of how Omache Farm generates its income. 

Whenever I go to the farmers market, I feel good about where my money is going. I also know where my food comes from, and I can ask the farmer on the spot about how a certain product is made. 

“There are a lot of farmers in this area. It’s not just wheat farmers. There’s a lot of other kinds of farms, produce and flowers and all kinds of other stuff. Farmers markets are a great way to support the local economy,” said Lindsay Myron, owner of Smoot’s Flavor Farm. 

Smoot’s Flavor Farm sells a variety of culinary and tea herbs and currently is offering fresh products, Myron said. The business hopes to sell dehydrated products in the future.

At this day and age, many produce items bought at the stores have been sprayed with pesticides and are genetically modified to last longer. With that being said, I really appreciate being able to know exactly what I am putting in my body. 

Going to a farmers markets also creates a unique experience and gives one the opportunity to connect with their local community. At the Moscow Farmers Market, there are, at times, live music, food trucks and local art vendors.

“I treat the farmers market as a way to meet people in the community and have face-to-face interactions,” Myron said. “This year, it is especially nice to see people even from far apart.”