This year marks the 25th annual celebration of National Farmers Market Week, August 4th through 10th! Markets bring great value to their communities by supporting local farmers and creating access to fresh, homegrown foods. The impact doesn’t stop there; by supporting your local farmers market, you can help stimulate local economies, preserve farmland and rural livelihoods, and support healthful communities.

In Maine, 179,680 people face hunger, and 45,790 of them are children. Hunger doesn't take a summer break, and many families struggle to provide enough nutritious food when school is out. This post shares some resources that can help bridge the gap from schoolyear to school year.

Globally, cultures that emphasize the importance of connection, often through shared meals, consistently have populations that enjoy better health and happiness. Studies confirm that folks who engage in strong ties to others experience less anxiety and depression, recover quicker from illnesses, and benefit from greater self-esteem and empathy. Notably, these individuals also tend to live longer. To shine a light on this connection, let's explore various cultural practices that celebrate the art of eating.