Thanksgiving is the official start of holiday celebrations that are full of food and family get-togethers. This holiday season, source local food using these resources in cities across the country.
Bringing at least one locally raised or grown food to the table during the season helps your community thrive by supporting local farmers. Compared to store bought food, local farmers are less likely to use synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which helps keep food healthy and natural.
To get you started on finding local sources, search by city on Eat Local Grown to find farms, farmers markets, restaurants and grocery/co-ops that source local food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also offers a searchable National Farmers Market Directory.
A few Kansas City organizations offer tips on easy ways to find fresh, local food. Check Kansas City Food Circle for area farmer’s markets, restaurants and community supported agriculture programs available throughout the year. The Greater Kansas City Food Policy Coalition and Kansas City Healthy Kids offer ideas for adding local food to every meal.
In the Kansas City/Lawrence area, here are some holiday events and farmers markets that have local meat, produce, dairy, eggs and alcoholic beverages available during the winter.
Local Markets & Holiday Events
Saturday, November 17, 9 a.m. – Noon
HCA Midwest Health Research Medical Center – Brookside Campus
6675 Holmes Road
Kansas City, MO
Year-round Farmer’s Market
Saturdays and Sundays, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
20 E. 5th St., Kansas City, MO
816-842-1271
Saturday, December 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
iWerx, 1520 Clay St., North Kansas City
Tickets: $10 in advance $15 at the door
Saturday, December 8, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, 200 McDonald Drive, Lawrence, KS
Overland Park Holiday Farmers Market
Saturday, December 1, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Matt Ross Community Center
8101 Marty St.
Overland Park, KS