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Serving the Business Community Group Benefits • Health • Dental • Life • Vision LTD • Property & General Liability • Auto • D & 0 • E & 0 Umbrella • Homeowners • Workers Compensation Employment Practices Liability Barlocker Salinas Team Macie Shelton, Oscar Huerta, Tina Barlocker & Linda Coustette 831-540-4583 Barlocker Insurance Services | A Member of the Leavitt Group www.barlocker.com | 371 Main St | Salinas, CA 93901 CA Lic #0580438 Seven reasons to shop farmers' markets A farmers' market is likely coming to a field or open parking lot near you - if there isn't already one operating nearby. The United States Department of Agriculture says that, between the years of 2008 and 2013, the number of farmers' markets doubled across the country. Farmers' markets will con- tinue to thrive and expand as people increasingly realize the benefits of supporting local food providers. Buyers who are not yet familiar with farmer's markets can examine the following seven reasons to break the ice. 1. Enjoy fresh, seasonal foods. Foods at farmers' mar- kets tend to be limited to in-season offerings. Some nutritionists suggest eating seasonally available foods is better for your body, be- cause humans ate seasonal produce for thousands of years before shipping and refrigeration changed how people received the majority of their foods. In addition, many people feel that fresh, seasonal foods taste better than the alternatives. 2. Discover new foods. There's always something new at a farmers' market, and this can entice shop- pers to expand their flavor palates. Explore interesting, locally grown items. Even children may fall in love with colorful fruits or vegetables and their refreshing tastes. 3. Embrace organic and non- GMO offerings. Many farmers' markets offer foods that are organically grown and are produced without GMOs. Farmers' market retailers also tend to give firsthand accounts of where their foods come from and how they are grown or raised. 4. Indulge in nutritious foods. The vivid colors and smells emanating from farmers' markets indicate just how fresh and nutritious the offerings tend to be. Farmers who peddle their wares at farmers' markets adhere to careful farming methods to ensure their foods are as nutritious as possible. 5. Learn secrets and recipes. In addition to fresh produce, farmers' markets may offer baked and other prepared goods. Shopkeepers oen mingle with their customers, offering trade secrets and recipe ideas. Additionally, local farm families sup- ported by farmers' markets generally offer supreme customer service to keep shoppers coming back week aer week. 6. Turn the trip into a social excursion. A farmers' market can be an exciting and flavorful social gathering place for fami- lies and groups of friends, as well as a great place to meet other members of the community. Sometimes farmers also mingle with local artisans, so the market can be a one-stop-shopping locale for locally produced food and art. 7. Save money. Farmers' markets may sell organic produce at a cost comparable or even lower than other retailers. That's because local farmers don't have to transport their items as far as retailers whose foods were shipped from far away places. Any time of the year is perfect for grabbing a tote bag and browsing the wares at a nearby farmers' market, where shoppers are bound to find something fresh, unique and delicious. Harvest Time pie fundraiser Nothing could be better this holiday season than a delicious pie from Gizdich Farms. This unique fundrais- er kicked off on September 17th and will continue until October 17th. Pie Pick-Up Party will be on November 16 from 3-7 pm. Pies are $20 each and there are three yummy options to chose from: Apple, Mixed Berry & Pumpkin. Please note that payment must be received in the Gizdich Ranch office by October 17th. For questions or to place your order, please call 831-755-1480. Fundraiser benefits Ag Against hunger. Mann Packing launches all new spicy Thai Nourish Bowls Salinas – Mann Packing announced the launch of a new flavor profile in its award winning Nourish Bowls line: Spicy Thai with fresh kohlrabi noodles. The new bowl joins Monterey Risotto, Sesame Sriracha, Southwest Chipotle, Bacon Maple Brussels and Cauli Rice Curry in the innovative line of single-serve, warm meals. As the only warm, veggie-based meal kits in market, Spicy Thai expands the Nourish Bowls line with another on trend flavor profile – with fragrant hints of lemongrass and coconut. The new bowl is complete with nutrient-rich kohlrabi noodles, fresh kale and car- rots, a spicy Thai sauce and toasted, sweetened coconut flakes for topping. Nourish Bowls appeal to a wide demographic, from moms to millennials, Gina Nucci, Mann's director of corporate marketing, commented, "We filled a demand in the market when we created Nourish Bowls – which have become increasingly popular for their convenience and health benefits – so, naturally, we are thrilled to launch our Spicy Thai flavor featuring kohlrabi noodles." Nucci continued, "Thai food is popular, yet can be intim- idating to prepare at home. The color and texture of kohlrabi really mimics that of a noodle. The eating experi- ence is flavorful and genuine." Coconut-containing product launches increased an average of 21 percent a year between 2011 and 2016 according to Innova**. Nucci continues, "The sweetness of the co- conut offsets the heat of the Thai sauce for a flavorful, yet healthy eating experi- ence. We're committed to expanding the Nourish Bowl line-up with more unique, convenient and healthy solutions." For more infor- mation on Nourish Bowls, visit nourishbowls.com and for information on Mann's, including where to find its products, visit veggiesmadeasy.com.

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