Farmers markets are a great place to enjoy the outdoors while shopping for good deals on local fruit, vegetables, and other specialty items like fresh bread, local meats and cheese, baked goods, and jam. It's also a great way to spend active leisure time with family and friends, as there is often entertainment and sometimes kid-friendly activities.
It's not a secret that many people think farmers markets are expensive or more expensive than their favorite grocery store. Sometimes, that is true. However, local food and food products found at farmers' markets are made and produced by your neighbors. The government or large-scale companies don't subsidize the cost of their food production. Plus, these local farmers and vendors often do not have a large customer base. Therefore, the cost of their food and food products will, at times, be higher than the commercial products you can find in a store.
However, you might be surprised that when certain foods are in season, the products - especially the fresh fruits and vegetables - at the markets are equal to or less than the prices at the grocery stores. This is because there is more food available, and the cost of transporting the food is lower because it is local. During this time, try shopping at your local farmers' market and seeing what deals you can find - you might just discover something new!
In addition, for those who receive SNAP benefits or WIC/Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers, they can use those benefits at the farmers' markets if the markets accept them.
Here are some money-saving tips to use the next time you're at the market:
Buy fresh produce when it is in season: Fruits and vegetables grow better at different times of the year. When they are at their peak growth, there will be more available, and their prices will be lower.
Walk around the entire market and compare prices: Prices may differ at each booth, and multiple vendors may sell the same items. For example, there may be five booths selling green beans. Taking a walk around the whole market before you buy will let you see which vendor’s greens are the cheapest and look the best.
Look for marked down or "on-sale" produce: Often, vendors will reduce the price of produce because it isn't the prettiest (discoloration, soft spots, etc.) or because it is very ripe. There is nothing wrong with those items, so take advantage of their lower price!
Be flexible: You might find the lowest prices on things you've never eaten before or that you don't know how to cook. Feel free to ask the farmer or seller what the food tastes like and how to cook it. They will be happy to talk to you about their food, and you will be glad you saved some money.
