Shannon Ford, captain of the FV Paul Revere, and her father Ernie Ford talking with customers about salmon at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on June 12, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)

Perhaps the most valuable educational activity at the Mercer Island Farmers Market comes from the conversations that our community members have with farmers. These conversations deepen community members’ knowledge of growing practices so that they can make informed choices for themselves and their families on what to eat. These conversations also expand community members’ understanding of the kinds of fruits and vegetables available in this region, their seasonality, and how best to prepare, store, and preserve them.

Les Price, owner of Jones Creek Farm, talking about the different varieties of garlic that he grows with a customer at the Mercer Island Farmers Market on August 21, 2011. (Photo by Joel Wachs)