Tips for Shopping at a Farmers Market

Shopping Savings
on August 12, 2013

Shopping at a farmers market is a great way to make sure that you are getting the freshest possible food available in your area, compared to supermarkets that may truck in items from far away. The fresher your fruits and vegetables are, the more likely they will be to taste better and offer the highest level of nutrients. When your food comes from a distant farm, it often has to be picked before it is ripe so it can survive transportation. This is why many consumers prefer visiting farmers markets.

For people who want to know where their food comes from, farmers markets enable you to meet the people who devote themselves to planting and harvesting your favorite fruits and vegetables. Another benefit to shopping at a farmers markets is the opportunity for saving money on items you regularly purchase. With that in mind, here are some tips for shopping at a farmers market.

Bring Cash
Many farmers are not set up to accept checks, credit cards or debit cards. It’s prudent for you to bring cash to the farmers market to ensure you can make your purchases. You might also want to consider bringing your own reusable bags, in case any farmers run out of them.

Get There Early
It’s always a good idea to arrive as early as possible to the farmers market. You’ll see the widest variety of items before they get picked over by your fellow shoppers. Having more choices enables you to get the best deals.

Walk Around the Entire Market
Once you arrive, don’t purchase produce from the first stand you encounter. Instead, walk around the entire market and see what each farmer is offering that day. This is essential for diligent comparison shopping and saving money on your produce.

Even if you have visited the farmers market before and already have some favorite farmers, you will want to get a look at what the competitors are offering. There might be a newcomer, for example, who has brought some fruits or vegetables that you’ve never seen before.

Shopping at a farmers market is ideal for people who want to obtain the freshest food for their table while saving plenty of money. You also get a chance to meet members of your community while helping to support local farmers. Remember to consult the farmers market website or call its phone number to verify its hours of operation before you visit.

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