It took a second grader to sum up Saturday’s ribbon cutting of the Selma-Dallas County Farmer’s Market.

“Vegetables are healthy for you. You’re always supposed to eat them,” Salem Elementary student Tamaria Alexander said.

The market, which will run through mid-November, is a collaborative effort between the Dallas County Health Department, Alabama Department of Public Health, Dallas County Healthy Communities, Alabama Strategic Alliance for Health and the Vaughan Community Health Services.

It is these agencies, and the hard working farmers and growers who showed up Saturday, and will show up again nearly every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through mid-November, who should be applauded for their efforts in bringing back the farmer’s market and once again making it a tremendous success.

When it comes to fruits and vegetables, there likely isn’t a single person who would argue that fresh fruits and fresh vegetables are by far the best. And, knowing the fresh produce offered at the farmer’s market is grown and harvested by our neighbors makes the experience even better.

There are an overwhelming number of reports citing statistic after statistic that Alabama’s Black Belt is one of the more unhealthy areas of the state. Our area has above average cases of diabetes, obesity and heart-related illnesses.

That is a trend that must be turned around and has a chance of being turned around thanks to the efforts of the Strategic Health Alliance, Vaughan Community Health Services and other organizations. So today we celebrate the opening of the Selma-Dallas County Farmer’s Market and once again sing the praises of these organizations and their efforts in helping us become a much healthier people.

We also thank Tamaria Alexander for reminding us that eating our vegetables will help us grow up big and strong.