Though students may have to pay more for fresh produce at the local farmer's market, a Penn State nutrition instructor says the health benefits from the products makes spending the extra money worth it.

Though pricier than the supermarket wares, local produce has more advantages -- like allergy preventatives and more nutrients -- compared to commercial products not grown locally, said Jason Wiesinger, Penn State nutrition sciences instructor.

One pepper at the farmer's market costs about $1.25 and one large tomato costs about $1.50. At McLanahan's Downtown Market, 116 S. Allen St., a pound of peppers costs $1.29 and a pound of tomatoes costs $1.09.

"When you buy fresh food from the store, those products are grown in large farms where the soil is depleted thus lacking the ability to absorb nutrients," Wiesinger said. "Local farms have more nutrient-rich soil, therefore the products at the farmer's market in turn have more nutrients," he added.

When people change environments -- such as coming to college -- they can adopt new allergies because their bodies are not yet adjusted to the new environment, Wiesinger said.

Students should buy from the farmer's market because their bodies are better adjusted to nature and the environment in which the food was produced, Wiesinger said.

Students can enjoy more nutrient-dense, flavorful products when buying from the farmer's market while also supporting the local economy, Wiesinger said.

"Support the local farms and economy instead of the supermarket products from California farms," Wiesinger said.