MONTICELLO — “If everyone in the Sullivan Catskills spends $10 at a farmers market this summer, $360,000+ would go back into our local economy.”

So says the website promoting reasons to shop at a local farmers market.

A collective of seven farmers markets in Sullivan County are sharing “Ten” reasons to buy local products, and they'll be giving out everything from free tote bags to bumpers stickers as a way to say thank you for the support.

Feedback from 398 farmers market shoppers surveyed in 2016 was recently combined with the latest research. Ninety-four percent of respondents agreed that shopping at a farmers market made it easier for them to eat healthy, and 92 percent enjoyed the chance to meet the farmers. Other reasons to shop at a local farmers market included keeping more of your money local, and helping hardworking farmers make a living.

The farmers market collective is asking community members to pledge to “Spend Ten,” and will reward shoppers by giving away free tote bags, magnets, bumper stickers, jar openers and other fun prizes to anyone who makes a pledge.

There are three ways to make a pledge: at the market, where shoppers can make their pledge, spend $10, then get their free gift; online at www.homegrownwithheart. com/spendten. Shoppers can then pick up their gift at any market listed; or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sullivancatskillsfarmersmarkets by “liking” the Spend Ten post. They can then tell the market manager they liked the post for their gift.

“There's a common misconception that farmers markets are too expensive. Unfortunately, this is the number one reason shoppers avoid the markets. This campaign is a chance to prove that's not true! Plus, for those who receive SNAP/EBT/Food Stamps, the farmers markets in Liberty, Monticello, and Callicoon give shoppers $4 for every $10 they spend through the FreshConnect program. It's an amazing value and a win-win for Catskills farmers and consumers,” said Sullivan County Public Health Director Nancy McGraw.