Farmer's markets are taking root in Southeast Alaska

The idea of "eating locally" is not new to Southeast Alaskans: nearly everyone's diet includes at least some local fish, game and berries. At the same time, it is difficult to go grocery shopping without buying foods that have traveled hundreds - and often thousands - of miles to the shelves.

Throughout the country, farmer's markets aim to encourage people to eat more locally harvested foods. Along the way, they hope to promote healthier diets and strengthen communities.

Farmer's markets have existed for years in the Anchorage and Fairbanks areas, and they are now beginning to spring up in Southeast Alaska as well. Since 2006, Haines and Gustavus have had regular Saturday farmer's markets. This August Sitka and Juneau are joining the trend and hosting their first community-wide farmer's markets.

Organizers see a number of reasons why farmer's markets are important. Doug Osborne, health educator at the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) in Sitka, named three main ones: health, sustainability and community.

Healthy foods, healthy communities

During the Sitka Health Summit held this spring, the idea of a farmer's market came up in a brainstorming session. A vibrant farmer's market featuring fresh fish and local produce ended up being the most popular idea brought up in the summit, which aimed to create a healthy community and improve the quality of life for Sitkans.

"The quality of produce is just so much better if you can grow it locally," said Linda Wilson, co-coordinator of the Sitka market. "The nutritional quality is higher and (local produce) will stay fresh longer."

Wilson hopes the farmer's markets will encourage everyone, especially young people, to develop healthier diets.

Much of the food found at farmer's markets is organically grown, Family Health but even if it's not, Alaskans-grown produce is less likely to be sprayed with pesticides, said Alison Arians with the South Anchorage farmer's market