The benefits of shopping locally for produce include a vitamin boost - store-bought veggies tend to travel long distances before they make it to the produce case, losing taste and nutrition along the way. And local produce tends to be more economical. Buy it in small quantities - you can always go back for more - and use only what you need. Or buy in bulk and freeze what you don't want to use immediately. You're more likely to get a good deal from local farmers when you buy in bulk and from the same farmers regularly. Getting to know the farmer's market merchants will serve you well, even going into the summer months. They can suggest ways to use seasonal produce and give you first dibs on the good stuff.