It's farmers market time again, where Utahns can meet and mingle, sample and shop.

Most of us go just because we like fresh food and socializing. But those looking at the bigger picture say farmers markets help both the economy and the environment. Buying local products keeps neighboring farmers and food purveyors in business and keeps money circulating in your own community.

Also, local food doesn't need to be shipped hundreds (or even thousands) of miles to get to you, which saves on energy, fuel emissions, traffic congestion and so on.

A Web site, utahsown.utah.gov, explains this "buy local" concept and lists Utah food companies and farmers. Another site, utahfruit.com, lists farms and produce stands.

A growing segment of consumers wants to know more about where their food comes from, and even national chains are jumping on this trend. Last week Wild Oats markets kicked off a "Choose Local" campaign, where locally supplied products will be identified with a special shelf tag.

If you're headed to a farmers market, come with cash in small bills, as many vendors are not equipped to take credit cards. For easier transporting, bring a sturdy shopping bag, a wagon, rolling cooler or empty kid's stroller. I found that out the hard way after lugging a 10-pound watermelon, a dozen ears of corn, a bag of cherries and a couple of jars of salsa several blocks to my car.

Each summer I make several phone calls to track down new markets and find others that have folded. Midway, West Jordan and Payson don't have markets this year, but Draper and Salt Lake City's west side are new on my list. So here it is — read 'em and eat! (And if you know of others not listed, you can e-mail me at the address at the end of this column.)

Bountiful: 100 East and 100 South, Thursdays, 4 p.m. to dusk

Draper: Factory Stores of America parking lot, 12100 S. State, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Logan: Cache Valley Gardeners Market, 100 South and 200 East, Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (SAABRA.org)

Heber Valley: City Park on Main Street, Thursdays , 4-9 p.m., with a concert at 6:30 p.m.

Lehi: Thanksgiving Point, 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way, Fridays, 3-7 p.m., beginning Aug. 4 (thanksgivingpoint.com)

Moab: Swanny City Park, 100 West and Park Drive, Saturdays, 8 a.m.-noon