The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is offering a challenge to everyone: eat local for just one day as part of National Farmers' Market Week. In the current economic climate, every little bit counts for local farmers.

If you're looking for a place to take your shopping list, John Matheny, Committee Chair of the Staunton-Augusta Farmer's Market, says a farmers' market in the Valley is your best choice.

He says, "What you buy here at the market or buy local from whatever source, it was raised in the area, you're going to get local nutrients, you're going to get local flavor, it's not been shipped 3,000 miles. You're going to get more bang for your buck here. The tomato is going to be good a week from now, as opposed to having to use it within three days."

From meats and wines to cheese and eggs, Matheny says the Farmers' Markets have it all. However, that's not the only reason it's beneficial to shop there.

Matheny says, "All of these people are here to make a living or here to add to their income, and the more we support local agriculture the more we support our local community. These dollars stay here in this community."

In Harrisonburg, George Merz says a new pavilion will hopefully draw more consumers to the market. The pavilion has taken three years to come to be, but in just four to six weeks, the wooden structure will look more inviting to shoppers.

With costs going up across the board for farmers, Merz says shopping at your local Farmer's Market helps keep many farmer's afloat.

He says, "Support your local growers, they work hard, they produce a good product, and they really would like to see you, they'd like to talk to you, where else could you talk right to the producer?"

The Department of Agriculture says if you eat local for a day and submit a video of your experience, you will be eligible for a prize basket of Virginia foods, beverages, a Virginia grown polo shirt, a logo cap or tote bag, and a host of other Virginia items.