The new year brings new resolutions and those often include eating healthier and going green, two things you can easily do at the Fernandina Beach Market Place farmers market.

Open again on January 4, 2013, N. 7th Street becomes a bustling outdoor market – this and every Saturday morning – from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, where you will find nearly 40 vendors re-introducing you to a new, old fashioned way, of shopping for groceries and organic or natural products.

Seasonal produce, grass-fed beef, fresh baked breads, hearty succulents, cupcakes, desserts, nature’s sweet honey and organic soaps are just a few of the items you’ll find at the Market Place this week.

Shopping your local farmers market encourages entrepreneurship and creative alternatives to selecting fresh and healthy foods for your family outside of the industrialized agricultural “norm” of the chain grocery store. Often the farmers market offers more varieties of fruits and vegetables than you’ll find in the supermarket, but because it is grown locally, you won’t find some items all year long.

Supporting our community’s small businesses and farmers encourages them to continue bringing us healthier alternatives, for our table and our environment, and in Fernandina Beach, it is done in a family-friendly, social setting under the giant oak trees and flowing Spanish moss.

Joining us on January 4th will be the Florida Georgia Blood Alliance bloodmobile, who return every eight weeks for your donating convenience. Entertainment will be provided by one of our fabulous, local musicians and your well behaved, leashed pets are always welcome.

For more information about your local farmers’ market and what our exhibitors specialize in, please find us on facebook, or call (904) 557-8229.