Resources – Local and Seasonal Food
Below you will find resources to explore fresh fruits and vegetables that are local and seasonal to where you live.
If you want to further explore healthier eating with your children, check out our three new at-home programs Food Explorers Club, Farm to Book Storytime, and Food Exploration Project – Homeschooling.
Local and Seasonal Food Across America
There are many benefits to eating locally and seasonally. “local” refers to food that was grown or produced in the same geographic region, and “seasonal” refers to the time of year of harvest when the flavor of certain produce is at its peak (for example, strawberries are in season in the summer and apples are in season in the fall). Typically, local produce tastes better than produce from hundreds of miles away because it’s fresher. It’s also better for the environment and the local economy.
Check out the Seasonal Food Guide to find out what’s in season in the state you live in.
Farmer’s Markets in New York City
Take a trip to your local farmer’s market! With dozens of locations across all five boroughs of the city, farmer’s markets allow you to stay up to date with what’s seasonal and local by boasting a wide variety of products including produce, meat and dairy, bread, honey, and beyond! Check out the farmer’s market map to find a one near you.
- 8 in Queens
- 17 in Brooklyn
- 2 in Staten Island
- 8 in the Bronx
- 26 in Manhattan
- Find them all here: http://www.grownyc.org/files/gmkt/map.pdf
- Find out which markets accept EBT: http://www.grownyc.org/greenmarket/ourmarkets
Local Farms and Orchards near New York City
Ever eaten an apple straight off of the tree? The Fall is the perfect time to take a day trip out of the city to a local farm for crisp apples and bright pumpkins. In the Spring and Summer, you’ll find peaches, strawberries, blueberries, cherries and more! Pick-your-own farms welcome you right into the fields and orchards to pick your own fresh fruit and vegetables. Fill your basket and bring your goodies home to enjoy baked into pies or packed into school lunches. Visiting a local farm is a great way to support local economies while getting to see exactly where your food is coming from. Check out a list of local farms here:
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Find a local farm in the tri-state area: https://www.localharvest.org/
new-york-ny/farms - Organic farms in New Jersey: https://www.new-jersey-
leisure-guide.com/organic- farms.html - Find a farm or orchard where you can pick your own: http://pickyourown.org/
