The trend of eating local is growing in the Pembina Valley, helped in part by community farmer's markets.

Photo courtesy Carman Farmer's Market

Matt Friesen, Organizer of the Winkler Farmer's Market, says it's also a chance to connect people with their food supply. "We try to get our customers to see exactly where their food is coming from, so food is a relatable thing."

He notes having a relationship with your customer it also inspires vendors to improve their product and services.

"It goes both ways... both the customer and the producer can put a face to a name," he says.

Sonia Funk, a Morden native recently returned home after decades abroad as an international Nutritional Therapist, says the confusing diet craze has created a "quiet panic."

"It is confusing," she says, adding the key is simplifying our food choices and ask the question: Is this food? Has it been modified beyond recognition? How many steps from when it was alive to my plate?

"If it's more than two or three steps it's probably not food anymore," she says.

The Winkler Farmer's Market recently made the location change to the Winkler Arts and Culture Centre on Park St. The first market takes place June 26 and runs Tuesdays until October.

The Carman Farmer’s Market runs every Friday until September 14. Organizers say local vendors will be selling seasonal produce, fruit, jam, pickles, bread, baking and crafts.