Enjoy the fruits of your gardening neighbor's labors

We suggested Wednesday that growing your own food might be one of the few ways to reduce the chance of contracting a food-borne illness, especially from fresh fruits and vegetables.

The U.S. and Nebraska departments of agriculture are suggesting another way that is nearly as reliable -- buying your fresh fruits and vegetables directly from the person who grew them, probably one of your friends or neighbors.

There's nothing like the taste of locally-grown, farm-fresh sweet corn, a food that seems to be at its peak of perfection for only a matter of hours.

Likewise, no mass-marketed tomato can compare to the red, juicy vine-ripened fruit available at a local farmers market, along with a fresh green beans and an amazing variety of foods grown right here in Southwest Nebraska.

It's open Saturday mornings through the growing season in the south end of the Westfield Plaza parking lot in McCook.

McCook's is only the closest farmers' market in the state, according to Nebraska Department of Agriculture director Greg Ibach, who is helping promote National Farmers Market week Aug. 4-10.

"Nebraska is privileged to have over 80 farmers' markets across the state," said Ibach. "I challenge all Nebraskans to visit their local farmers' market during National Farmers' Market Week, and for the rest of the season, to purchase fresh, locally grown produce. Not only are you purchasing some of the freshest produce available, but every dollar you spend helps support your local economy."

If you're traveling elsewhere in the state, the NDA offers the Nebraska Farmers' Market Directory which identifies locations, hours of operation and contact information for numerous markets across the state.

The directory can be found at www.ourbesttoyou.nebraska.gov or by calling 800-422-6692.

If you're 60 or older and meet income requirements, you can even use coupons from the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program to purchase food.

Individuals whose household gross income does not exceed $20,655, or two-person household's gross income does not exceed $27,997 are eligible.

Applicants may be asked to provide documentation showing age and income eligibility, and the coupons must be spent by Oct. 31, 2013. More information on that program is available from Sue Chipman at the Heritage Senior Center, (308) 345-1760.

For more information on the McCook farmers' market, call Deb Petty at (308) 345-6366 or (308) 340-0095.