Why Supporting Small Farmers Matters

(and How It Benefits You!)

At Seasonal Roots, our mission is simple: to connect you with the freshest local food while supporting the small farmers and businesses that make our community thrive. By working with a wide variety of local partners, we can offer you the best seasonal produce and artisan goods while making a positive impact on the local food system.

But there’s something you might not know—small-scale farming looks different from large industrial operations, and that’s one of the reasons we’re so passionate about working with them.

The Value of Small-Scale Farming

Small-scale farmers take a hands-on approach to cultivating their crops and raising their animals. They prioritize sustainability, soil health, and the quality of their harvests, which means you get food that is:

• Fresher: Picked at peak ripeness and delivered quickly, so it tastes better.
• More nutritious: Less time between harvest and delivery means higher nutrient retention.
• Unique: Small farms often grow heirloom varieties and specialty crops that are hard to find in big stores.

Seasonal Changes and Harvest Sizes

Unlike industrial farming, which forces production year-round, small-scale farming respects the natural rhythms of the seasons. This approach benefits the environment but can also impact what’s available—and when.

• Eggs in Winter: Colder months mean fewer daylight hours, which naturally reduces egg production in chickens. While this ensures healthier hens, it can mean limited egg availability in our market.
• Crops in Winter: Shorter days and frosty temperatures affect crop growth, but many winter favorites like kale, carrots, sweet potatoes, and winter squash still thrive.

We embrace these natural fluctuations because they result in higher-quality, healthier food that tastes amazing.

Why Items May Sell Out

At Seasonal Roots, we love working with farmers who focus on quality over quantity. Some of our partners are so small that they can only produce limited amounts of certain goods—especially during the winter. This is why some items, like eggs, fresh produce, and artisan products, may sell out quickly when the market opens each weekend.

To make sure you don’t miss out, we recommend ordering as soon as the market opens on Fridays!

How You Make an Impact

By choosing Seasonal Roots, you’re doing so much more than enjoying delicious, local food—you’re making a real difference in the community:

• Your orders provide stable income to small businesses, helping them continue sustainable farming and production practices.
• Small farms grow a wider variety of crops, contributing to biodiversity and healthier ecosystems.
• Eating locally means fewer food miles, less packaging, and a smaller environmental impact.

A Community Effort

Seasonal Roots is proud to partner with farmers and artisans who share our commitment to sustainability and quality. From fresh produce to pasture-raised eggs and hand-crafted goods, every item we deliver tells a story of care, hard work, and dedication.