The need to eat healthier—and local—has never been more popular than now. And with more and more farmers markets popping up around the Valley, consumers are getting just that – a chance to get know what they’re putting on the dinner table for their family and friends.

•  Uptown Farmers Market

Where: SE corner of Central and Bethany Home Road, Phoenix

When: Saturdays 9a.m. – 1p.m. and Wednesdays 8a.m. – Noon

This food-based farmers market is located on the grounds of the North Phoenix Baptist Church. The market supplies locally grown produce, handmade foods and handcrafted goods. Bo Mostow and Jennifer Woods, two friends from North Central Phoenix, run the market out of their desire to foster a sense of community through food.   http://uptownmarketaz.com/

• SouthBridge Sunday Artisan Market

Where: Scottsdale Waterfront, 7134 E Stetson Dr., Scottsdale

When: Sundays 10a.m. – 4p.m.

While this market is less of a farmers market, the local dedication and appeal is still there. With over 60 vendors and live musicians every week, SouthBridge’s Artisan Market is where you’ll find local artists selling their handcrafted goods, jewelry and more. Local shoppers will also find a few produce vendors and fun entertainment for kids and families.  http://artisanmarketsaz.com/

• Open Air Market @ Phoenix Public Market

Where: 721 N Central Ave., Phoenix (Central and McKinley)

When: Saturdays 8a.m. – 1p.m. and Wednesdays 5p.m. – 8p.m.

The Open Air Market is a program of Community Food Connections (CFC), a 501c3 non-profit organization. CFC works to create a social downtown gathering by supporting local farmers and businesses that work hard to produce healthy products for the local community.  From baked goods to produce, this market has everything any local chef or foodie could need. http://phxpublicmarket.com/openair/

• Scottsdale’s Old Town Farmers Market

Where: 3815 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale (Brown and 1^st Street)

When: Saturdays 8a.m. – 1p.m.

Another food-based farmers market, this one is located in the heart of downtown Scottsdale and brings together fresh, pesticide-free produce and organic, local grown goods. You can also find seasonal goods such as warm cider, apples and hot chai tea. This market is family-friendly and well-mannered pets are welcome.

http://www.arizonafarmersmarkets.com/pageScottsdaleOldtown/ScottsdaleOTsat.htm

• Roadrunner Park Farmers Market

Where: 3501 E. Cactus Rd. (Freeway 51 and 36^th Street)

When: Saturdays 8a.m. – 1p.m.

Officially the longest consecutive running farmers market in the state of Arizona, this market has been around for the past 25 years. This market has everything from local farm produce including baked goods, honey, jams, nursery stock, handcrafted goods and more. The area even includes a large children’s playground, a fishing pond, swimming pool, and is host to all kinds of special events.

http://www.arizonafarmersmarkets.com/pageRoadrunner/roadrunner.htm