An "agvocate" is someone who advocates for agriculture. I didn't grow up on a farm,  perhaps like some of you. I had been caught up in myths and inaccuracies, some romantic and some just negative, about farming. This was thanks in part to clever marketing by brands, watching fearmongering documentaries, and reading books and articles that perpetuated either romantic or needlessly negative and inaccurate views about agriculture.

Question: My doctor advised me to get less sodium because of high blood pressure. I really like canned soups but they all seem like they are full of sodium. How can I reduce the sodium in soup or canned vegetables?

Ingles Markets 1865 Hendersonville Rd. (Skyland) Thursday, February 23, 3-6 p.m. Meet local farmers, food entrepreneurs, cider makers and brewers and sample their products. Here are a few of our local suppliers you’ll see:

What type of fat does Ingles use in the Bakery for frying donuts, and why isn’t beef fat/lard or coconut oil used?

Is sugar “as addictive as cocaine?” These are both things you may have seen floating around the internet.

Ingles Markets Inc. is growing in Waynesville again — this time, on Brown Avenue in Hazelwood.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition experienced by some 1 in 5 Americans. IBS affects the large intestine (colon) and is characterized by abdominal pain, cramping, gas, bloating and diarrhea. Often diagnosis of IBS is made after eliminating other possible diseases and causes of these symptoms. (Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20024578 ).

Support Local Food Entrepreneurs at Ingles Markets on Weaver Blvd., Weaverville. January 26th - 3-6 pm

Still looking for coconut and sea salt flavored chocolate bars, popcorn, or beverages? You are SO last year…while those flavors are still around,  it looks like this year’s flavor will be GINGER.

Taste of Local at Ingles Markets on Broad St. in Brevard Thursday, January 5, 3-6 p.m.