Summer is a great time to get outside, get active, and enjoy time in the sun.
Luckily for those who like to do all three of those things, there is a campaign taking place this summer which does just that!
Called the Roll or Stroll campaign, it’s being promoted by Advocates for Health in Action (AHA), the Town of Cary and the farmers’ markets located in Cary.
This initiative is encouraging people in the Cary area to bike or walk whenever they go to any of the three farmers’ markets, which include the Cary Downtown Farmers’ Market, the Western Wake Farmers’ Market and the Waverly Farmers’ Market.
“Roll or Stroll pinpoints a destination and shows the time it takes to walk or bike there from different neighborhoods,” said Sara Merz, AHA director.
“It’s so fun to walk and bike, for both kids and grown-ups. Kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day, and adults need 30 minutes a day. Walking to a farmers’ market feels good, and is a great way to meet part of that physical activity goal.”
Fliers regarding Roll or Stroll can be found at each of the markets, showing the nearest neighborhoods, greenways and sidewalks, and best routes to the markets, or can be downloaded here.
“When you look at the Roll or Stroll maps, you can see how close you live to these farmers’ markets,” Merz said. “A lot of people really can walk or bike to the farmers’ markets. Consider using the greenways and sidewalks to reach these markets for weekly shopping, and as a way to be active in your daily routine. This is a health project, but it is also a happiness project. It just feels good.”
There are extra perks for those who partake in the campaign: The Cary Downtown Farmers’ Market is offering a $5 Market Buck coupon to all those who walk or ride a bike there.
And the Western Wake Farmers’ Market will enter everyone who walks or rides into a drawing for the chance to win a market tote bag.
Each farmers’ market offers fresh, seasonal and locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as artisan foods.
Cary Downtown Farmers’ Market
135 W. Chatham St.
Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon; Tuesdays 2 to 6 p.m.
Waverly Farmers’ Market
Waverly Place, corner of Kildaire Farm and Tryon roads
Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Western Wake Farmers’ Market
Carpenter Village Marketplace, Morrisville Carpenter Road between Davis Drive and NC 55
Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon
For more information on Advocates for Health in Action, see advocatesforhealthinaction.org.
