Eat Local, Feel Better: What FLOWS from Farmers Markets, Co-ops and CSAs

As we enter the season of sunshine and fresh starts, this new episode of 1,000 Waking Minutes invites you to rediscover one of the most powerful places for well-being: your local farmers market.

In this special story-meets-science episode, Dr. Wendy Bazilian explores the personal joy, health benefits, and wide-reaching ripple effects of shopping local—through farmers markets, co-ops, and CSA produce boxes.

She shares a heartfelt visit to Sage Hill Ranch Gardens, a family-run regenerative farm in North County San Diego, and weaves in current research on how eating locally can benefit your mind, your body, and even your community’s economy and climate.

Whether you're a longtime farmers market fan or thinking about making your first visit this season, this episode offers practical ways to engage and inspiring reminders that the choices we make with our food can shape our health and our world.

We Discuss

(1:50) A visit to Sage Hill Ranch Gardens and the joy of seasonal food

(13:06) The science of local eating: mental health, digestion, disease prevention, connection, well-being

(21:52) 5 practical steps to find, visit, and get the most from your market

(31:25) What CSAs and food co-ops really are—and why they matter now(XX:XX) The ripple effect: economic, environmental, and personal returns

(35:16) A reminder of FLOWS and the power of Fresh, Local, Organic, Whole, and Seasonal.

(35:58) A warm recap and invitation to take one small step this week

To find CSA and produce box options, you can check out:

• LocalHarvest.org/csa

• USDA CSA Directory

• Good Food for All – Produce Box Program

You can also google things like…:

“CSA nearme”

“Produce subscription box [your city]”

“Good Food for All produce program”

CONNECT WITH WENDY:

Follow on Instagram: @1000WakingMinutes

Visit the website: wendybazilian.com

Email me: [e-mail]

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Thank you for tuning in to 1,000 Waking Minutes and being part of this journey—together. A huge thank you to our amazing collaborators including our production and marketing teams, and Gabriela Escalante in particular. To the ultra-talented Beza for my theme music, my lifelong friend and artist Pearl Preis Photography and Design, to Danielle Ballantyne, Jen Nguyen, Joanna Powell, and of course, my family and everyone working tirelessly behind the scenes.

HEALTH DISCLAIMER:

The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered individual medical or health advice. Always consult with your trusted healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise, or medical treatment.

REFERENCES:

Farmers Market Coalition. (n.d.). Farmers markets support healthy communities. Retrieved May, 2025, from https://farmersmarketcoalition.org/education/farmers-markets-support-healthy-communities/

Hu, X., Clarke, L. W., & Zendehdel, K. (2021). Farmers’ market usage, fruit and vegetable consumption, meals at home and health–Evidence from Washington, DC. Sustainability, 13(13), 7437.