The societal and environmental benefits of shopping for local produce are overwhelming even though often overlooked. The economic benefits, especially in direct relation to local small business are even more impressive. This article aims to encourage and inspire local microfinance supporters to continue to support local small business by shopping at San Diego’s many farmer’s markets through naming some of the local benefits.

Much of the information below has been taken from the City Heights Farmer’s Market website at: http://cityheightsfarmersmarket.com/wb/pages/market-benefits.php

#1: Every dollar spent at Farmer’s Marketshas been found to turn over in the community eight times.

#2: Shoppers using Food Stamps (City Heights Farmer’s Market is one of the first to accept Food Stamps) generate over $9 in money spent in the general economy for every $5 spent at the Farmer’s Market.

Even if you do not personally use Food Stamps, you can help by supporting markets which DO accept Food Stamps, and encourage their allowance in other markets across San Diego County.

#3: 60% of Farmer’s Market shoppers are more likely to shop at other local businesses due to their shopping at the market.

At the City Heights Farmer’s Market, many microfinance clients sell their wares or own local businesses nearby, and can be directly impact by the close economic effects of the local Farmer’s Market. Refugees working plots in IRC San Diego’s Community Garden even offer produce grown less than a mile from the market for sale.

City Heights Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday from 9am-2pm, and is held off of 43rd and Wightman.

See: http://cityheightsfarmersmarket.com for more info.