From recalled eggs to beef prices climbing again, many families say the grocery store is becoming harder to rely on. That’s sending more shoppers to farmers markets across the Valley.

Organizers in both Ohio and Pennsylvania say they’ve noticed larger crowds this summer. They believe concerns over food safety and rising prices are part of the reason. Shoppers also say the appeal comes from knowing the people who grow their food.

“Because you know where it’s grown. You can ask all the questions to the farmers,” said Aubrey Manley, events coordinator for the Howland Farmers Market. “They are the ones that grow it and pick it. It’s fresh. They most of them pick morning of, if not night before.”

Farmers say recalls at big-box stores highlight the difference between mass suppliers and local

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