Two of the best things you can do for your health this summer are getting outside for some exercise and eating healthy food, including lots of fruits and vegetables. Biking or urban hiking to a local farmers market accomplishes both and makes for a great summertime urban adventure.
See if you can work in a section of the Spokane River Centennial Trail or Ben Burr Trail (Spokane), North Idaho Centennial Trail (Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene), Larch and Fifth or Sand Creek pathways (Sandpoint), or other trails into your outing. Bring a backpack or bike basket or panniers for hauling your food home.
Shopping for local food in an outdoor market is also safer than a trip to a crowded grocery store, and many markets like the Spokane Farmers’ Market (SFM) are taking special precautions, including asking patrons to wear masks, gloves, and practice social distancing. The Spokane Farmers Market will also have extra hand washing stations and waste containers for gloves and wipes.
Keep in mind too that SFM organizers are asking that only one family member come to shop and dogs are not allowed. Each market may have their own COVID-19 related policies so check the website for the one you plan to visit before you go.
Originally published in the June 2020 print issue.
Visit the OTO archives for more stories about farmers’ markets.
