Photo by New Germany Farmers’ Market
We know that carrots can’t cure depression but perhaps one of the most underrated benefits of shopping at farmers’ markets is that it’s good for your mental health. For Canada’s Mental Health Week, we’re 5 sharing reasons why farmers’ markets can boost your mental health.
Quick disclaimer: this is a very quick article that is about sharing a brief perspective and does not fully encompass the complex nuance of mental health conditions. Choice is a privilege and we know not everyone in our society has the ability to choose where their food comes from. If you’re seeking support please call 211 or visit this website for resources in your community.
Mental health researcher Johann Hari challenges the idea that depression is just a chemical imbalance. Hari outlines nine causes of depression and anxiety as found in the evidence––most are rooted in disconnection. Disconnection from community, nature, purpose, values, etc. In a society where the cost of living is so high and survival takes priority, it’s no wonder we might not always feel our best. Hari argues that healing may require meaningful reconnection. We believe visiting a farmers’ market can be one small way to do that.
- Reconnecting with People: Our modern western society is the loneliest society in history with 39% of Americans believing that they are no longer close to anybody. (Source) The average person has 15–20 social interactions at a farmers’ market, compared to 1–2 at a grocery store. (Source) These simple exchanges—smiles, chats, shared recipes—help ease loneliness and build a sense of belonging.
- Reconnecting with Meaning: Shopping at a farmers’ market can feel purposeful. Supporting local growers and participating in a more sustainable food system gives us a role in something bigger, and that sense of agency matters.
- Reconnecting with Nature: Touching fresh produce, smelling herbs, and hearing stories from farmers strengthens our bond with the earth.
- Reconnecting with Values: Shopping locally allows you to align your actions with your values, which is important to feeling good about your life. Supporting sustainability, fairness, and health isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for your mind! When our shopping choices reflect what we care about, it feels authentic and resonates with our value system.
- Routine and Anticipation: In addition to Hari’s concept of reconnection, routine is another important idea to mention. A weekly market visit can anchor your week. For those struggling with low mood, it can offer structure and something to look forward to.
We must say that we cannot be a mentally or physically healthy community without food security. There is a strong link between food insecurity and mental health for both youth and adults. Depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and suicidal thoughts increase with the severity of food insecurity. (Source) We will continue to strive for a food secure community and work to grow our Nourishing Communities Food Coupon Program for this reason.
We know that shifting your shopping habits won’t cure mental health issues, but we know that farmers’ markets can nourish more than your body and perhaps it could be one tool for your self care routine. Farmers’ markets offer grounded, human-scale moments of reconnection that our systems often fail to provide.
