A new foodie event is getting off the ground in Proserpine to help residents access fresh produce from their own backyard and forge social connections.
The couple behind Proserpine Health N Fitness, June Gobbos-Miller and Stephen Miller, decided to start a farmers market with the first instalment set to take place next week.
Ms Gobbos-Miller said a farmers market used to operate in Proserpine but no longer does, so she wanted to start one back up.
When she previously lived on the Sunshine Coast, Ms Gobbos-Miller loved going to the markets to see all the different vendors and pick up their delicious goods.
“I think there are so many people now that have got a bit of extra food, so instead of wasting it, waste not want not,” Ms Gobbos-Miller said.
“It is a shame to go into the supermarket and pay a heap of money for food that you do not know how old it is and where it has been, when you can get it locally.”
Ms Gobbos-Miller said the market would focus on providing a platform for Whitsunday growers and producers to sell their goods, including residents who may have an abundance of produce growing in their backyard.
As a naturopath, Ms Gobbos-Miller said she often saw people who were not fuelling their bodies with the correct nutrients and the farmers market would be a good opportunity to make nutrition accessible.
“Fresh is best, from the time something is picked it starts breaking down in terms of its nutritional value,” she said.
“Eating locally and in season in your area is very important for your health too.”
Aside from the physical benefits, a market will also help to foster community spirit.
“With the Mediterranean diet they have proven it is great for eating a rainbow of food and eating good oils but it is really important too and health is more predominant in the societies that have got that community feel,” Ms Gobbos-Miller said.
“Because that is dying and we all need each other.
“If you have got good food, good friends, what more do you need in life?”
The first market is planned for Saturday, March 6, from 7am to noon at Proserpine Health N Fitness, 17 Chapman St.
The event will continue on the first and third Saturday of each month thereafter.
Ms Gobbos-Miller said if there was enough demand, the market may be held weekly down the track.
For more information or to get involved, phone the Proserpine Health N Fitness team on 0423 587 999.
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