Dr. Ernest Levister Jr.

Recently my wife and I took a stroll through the Redlands' farmers' market held every Thursday evening. It was hard to resist the dazzling array of farm fresh produce, unique food creations, fresh plants, cut flowers, live music and arts and crafts.

Tucked in the middle of dozens of makeshift booths and tents was a free community outreach project sponsored by the local health department. "Ask the Dietitian at Farmers' Market" featured interactive, informational booths staffed with specialists eager to dish out the tools families need to improve their eating habits in a place where they can find fresh produce, the main ingredient for a better diet.

Bad nutrition and lack of exercise are major contributors to the most common diseases, and they are responsible for the most deaths and greatest portion of the disease burden. The problem is compounded by limited access to healthful foods in poor and African-American neighborhoods. These neighborhoods tend to have fewer supermarkets than wealthy and predominately white neighborhoods, making access to healthful foods more difficult, according to a study published by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. The study's leads author says, "the choices people make about what they eat are limited by the food available to them." Low-income neighborhoods are more likely to have a greater number of fast food restaurants, and so called mini mart-liquor stores.

The community farmers' market is a perfect marriage between healthy food, information, and family entertainment all at a great price. Most farmers' markets are held weekly (during the summer), admission is usually free. The produce is farm fresh and most of the time sells for half the supermarket price.

Turn the television off and take the family out for an evening of fresh fare and open air. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce for a farmers' market in your community.