Does shopping at the farmers market seem to break the bank? Learn how to save money and live better with these six tips on how to be budget-friendly at the farmers market, plus 10 cheap farmers market recipes.
Spending each Sunday morning strolling the aisles of my farmers market is my happy place. Getting some fresh air while glimpsing all of the colors, flavors, textures and aromas of beautiful plant foods puts a smile right on my face! Not to mention my fridge will be stocked with gorgeous healthy produce to inspire a week of healthy cooking. And I’m not alone in my adoration of farmers markets. More and more people are shopping at farmers markets these days. Twelve percent of Americans now shop at farmers markets, and it’s growing. And there are more farmers markets available—72% of all U.S. countries have at least one farmers market. It’s no wonder people are attracted to farmers markets–you’ll find a variety of produce and food products that cannot be found in the supermarket. And, unlike most supermarkets, the produce has been freshly harvested, often just a few hours before you buy it. That means the food is fresher, more nutritious, and better tasting. However, there is one factor that can discourage people from shopping at their local farmers market: sheer cost. But before you get discouraged, it’s important to know that there are ways you can save money at the farmers market. Yes, you can enjoy farm fresh food and support local food while staying on your food budget.
Benefits of Farmers Market
Besides a bounty of fresh healthy beautiful produce, there are many other benefits from shopping your farmers market. It is a great way to support local farmers, stimulate the local economy, and promote organic and sustainable agricultural standards. Did you know that three out of every four farmers at the market practice sustainable and organic standards? Also, farmers markets have increased peoples’ access to fresh, locally grown produce in their regions. You can also access food assistance programs with “double up food bucks programs” at many farmers markets. Learn more here. Supporting local farmers is important, since more small farms are shutting down due to the operation costs and large industrial farms generating more profit. Voting with your dollars when you purchase sustainable, locally grown produce shows the food system that there is a need to shift to a more sustainable model.
6 Tips for Saving Money at Farmers Markets
It can seem that farmers markets cost more, but research actually shows that organic produce can be 40% cheaper compared to grocery stores. So, if you’ve wanted to add more organic produce to your diet, but the price seems steep at the supermarket, head to the farmers market to get the best deals. Additionally, you can save even more money with these 5 few key strategies.
1. Eat in Season
Eating in season reduces the cost of produce, since the cost of transportation from across the nation or the globe is reflected in the price at the market. Since farmers markets feature seasonal, local produce in your community, it is much cheaper to deliver to you. Shopping for produce in season also means better taste and nutrition, compared to out-of-season produce picked immature and shipped long distances to your grocery store. Stroll the aisles of your farmers market and you’ll quickly learn what produce is in season given a specific time of the year.
2. Buy Imperfect Produce
Some farmers at the market may have “second” produce (often called “ugly fruit”), which is produce that is not deemed “perfect” by today’s supermarket standards. It may be have a scab, be slightly bruised, or oddly shaped, which may prevent it from being sold. Oftentimes farmers will sell this produce at a discount, which is a great way to load up on fresh fruits and vegetables. In fact, research shows imperfect food may even be higher in antioxidant compounds, as the plant had to mount a defense to protec it. Plus, imperfect produce that is going to be used chopped or sliced in a dish does not have to look perfect, so why not purchase peak imperfect nutritious produce?
3. Purchase in Bulk
Buying fresh produce in bulk may help cut down the price and provide you and your family with plenty of fruits and vegetables that can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, and/or canned for the upcoming months. Many farmers offer a discount if you buy a larger amount of one type of produce, such as citrus, potatoes, and onions. Some offer combo deals–buy four bunches for the price of three. Don’t be afraid to ask for bargains at your favorite stands.
4. Shop 30 Minutes before Close
Some farmers may discount their produce that has not sold towards the end of the market’s hours in order to avoid taking it back to the farm. This is a great time to stock up on produce that may have been too pricey before, or look for new produce items that you have been wanting to try.
5. Visit Multiple Vendors
Visiting multiple farmers at your market will help you determine who has the best price for an item you would like. For example, I knew which farmer at my Ojai farmers market has the best prices, so I always visit their booth first, then make my way to other farm vendors to fill in. You may also notice which farmers specialize in categories, such as root vegetables, leafy greens, stone fruit, and squash. Over time, you’ll know just who to go to for the best prices in zucchini, lettuce, and peaches.
6. Shop with No List
Having a shopping list can be a great way to remind you what you need to purchase for the upcoming week, but the list may prevent you from considering produce that is on sale or has a lower price than what you had planned to purchase. Strolling the whole market and picking up cheaper produce that is new to you will not only inspire you in the kitchen, it will help the market fit into your budget.
10 Cheap Farmers Market Recipes
References:
Estabrook, B. (2011). The Farmers’ Market Myth. The Atlantic.
Kelly. (2014). 8 Strategies for Saving Money at Farmers Markets. The Nourishing Home.
N.A. (2021). Farmers Markets: There’s More to Market! Farmers Market Coalition.
Piper, A. (2020). Fresh, Seasonal, and Affordable: 9 Ways to Save Money at the Farmers Market. The Penny Hoarder.
