With Colorado's growing season in full swing, there's no better time to stop by a local farm stand to pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only will you get to enjoy fresh, nutrient-rich produce during its peak, but many other benefits come along with buying locally too. For one, the food sold at farm stands is some of the freshest you can find. It hasn't been processed, nor has it been sitting around for extended periods of time on supermarket shelves or in storage. Plus, buying locally means these items have not have not been shipped from somewhere that's miles away, and you know exactly where your food is coming from. This also results in less packaging and a lower environmental impact all together.

Visiting a roadside farm stand greatly helps to strengthen the local economy, as you are supporting small family farmers and agriculture-based businesses, rather than mega-chain grocery stores. Another benefit? Farmers are pretty passionate about the items they are sell, so oftentimes they are beyond willing to let you in on some of their favorite recipes and different ways to cook with whatever you may be buying. This is a wonderful way to connect with the community and feel good about what you are buying.

The various farm stands found around Northern Colorado are listed below. If you plan on shopping at one of these, it's always a good idea to have cash on hand, rather than a card, and it's also helpful to bring your own bags along too.

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