North Carolina, meanwhile, is tied with Iowa for the 10th top state in the nation, in terms of the number of markets available, with 229 registered.

Jordan said eating from what you can purchase where you live makes an individual more aware of what is truly seasonal.

“We have been trained and conditioned to want squash and strawberries in the middle of winter and expect that, but it’s not realistic to have those products fresh all through the year,” Jordan said. “We can have winter squash and items like cabbage, kale and broccoli through the winter though and had great crops of those items this year.”

This year has also been a very good example, Jordan said, of how weather conditions affect local food sales. Heavy rains in recent months hampered a lot of crop production, but Jordan said the last couple of weeks a good variety of produce has been available.

“The markets are open rain or shine,” Jordan said. “We have some very faithful vendors who will stick it out to get product to our faithful customers.”

These weather issues bring up the importance too of storing excess produce. She said it’s important for local consumers to know that many farmers are willing to sell by the bushel or case.

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), has also worked to ensure all families see fresh produce as an affordable option. The USDA recently outfitted more markets with the ability to accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds for produce. Jordan said the Columbus market expects to begin accepting SNAP by the end of summer.

Finding a market is also a hurdle for many consumers. The USDA launched a program through farmersmarkets.usda.gov to locate markets nearby.

Locally a new sign has been erected along Hwy. 108 in Lynn alerting motorists of the various area markets and the days they are available. Markets are held each week in Tryon on Thursdays from 4-6:30 p.m., on Fridays in Saluda from 4:30-6:30 p.m., in Columbus on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – noon and in Landrum on Saturdays from 7 – 11 a.m.