Here are some ideas to enhance your visit to the South Lansing Community Farmers Market:

• Plan your meal at the market. Go to the market, and get inspired. Learn to shop and eat "seasonally."
• Use your senses to find the best items. Smell, touch (gently) and taste.
• Talk to the producer. Get invaluable information on even the most common fruits and vegetables.
• Buy a new item every once in a while. Ask the person next to you or the farmer to give you some ideas on how to use it. Or trust your intuition and take it home, taste it raw, steam, roast, grill or stir-fry whatever is in season. This is one of the keys to creative cooking.
• Get the kids involved. Give them a few dollars and let them buy whatever produce they want and will eat. It's a great way to make them responsible rather than you for eating fruits and vegetables.
• Take your favorite basket or cloth bag. It's sustainable and environmentally friendly.
• Recycle your plastic bags. After each market, tuck them back into your market basket. 
• Bring a friend to the market. introduce someone else to the satisfaction that can be found through the food and community at the Farmers Market.

 Check out the Michigan Availability Guide (click to enlarge) to see what is most likely available at your local farmers market.