8 Ways to Shop the Farmer’s Market is a guest post by Kirsten Bansen Weigle, Market Manager of the Maple Grove, Minnesota Farmer’s Market.
I know that we are almost to summer’s end, but many produce items are still in their peak harvest season and Farmer’s Markets continue to abound. Follow these eight tips to save money while you enjoy the remainder of the Market season.
Always scope out the Market before purchasing. Prices, quality, and quantity may vary from vendor to vendor, and you might find those who are willing to sell in quantity at lower prices or vendors who are running a promotion.
Bring cash. The majority of Farmers Market vendors deal in cash. A finite supply of cash will also help you avoid expensive impulse buys. But, keep in mind that vendors are food growers and have established prices based on their costs, so it is not recommended to haggle prices.
Consider buying in bulk to get the best prices. Food preservation is back en vogue. Freezing and canning allow you to enjoy the most nutritious local veggies long after the growing season ends. If you aren’t interested in preserving the harvest, consider splitting it with neighbors or friends. If you buy in bulk, then it is acceptable to negotiate a lower per unit price.
Learn the seasons. You will find the best prices on items that are in their peak season. As you get started shopping Farmer’s Markets take note of your family’s favorite items because you’ll likely see them at their rock bottom price the same time next year.
Expect freshness. The items you’ll purchase at your Farmers Market were often picked that very morning. You will be amazed at how long they will remain fresh and healthful if stored properly at home. Plan for a week’s worth of fresh, locally-grown items when you make your list.
Buy flowers. Fresh cut flowers from the Farmers Market are incredibly beautiful—and cost less than half the price of flowers from a florist.
Enjoy the whole package. In addition to the freshest local foods, your local Farmers Market may offer music, children’s programming, picnic and playground facilities, cooking demonstrations, and more—all free. Savor the summer months by lingering at your Farmers Market. (Carrie here: My local farmer’s market often has a limited supply of free treats for the kids and gives out free recipes that utilize the in season produce)
Find the Farmers Market Information booth. Ask for free information about food preparation, nutrition, promotions and discounts at the Market, and other information to enhance your market experience. (Carrie here: If you stop at the Info Booth at my Farmer’s Market you’ll learn that they have loyalty punch cards that reward frequent shoppers).
Your turn: What other tips would you add to this list for shopping Farmer’s Markets on a budget?
About Carrie Rocha
Thanks for the tips – I love the farmer’s market!
any tips for buying local meat a little cheaper? I went to the local co-op here and bought one chicken and one pound of hamburger for a whopping $16!
I learned while shopping at the winter farmers mkt that meat is actually somewhat seasonal as well- had to wait a few months for my bacon cause everyone was out till the common time to slaughter the next years’ pigs. It was my experience that just before the next slaughter, a lot of vendors cut prices to make room. Not very helpful re your coop, I know, but just a little tip of something to watch for that, when the right time of year comes around, could help a bit.
Oh, I forgot to say- the market has always been a little cheaper than the coops for me cause the coops need to do a little markup, if you can get to the farmer directly, that should help, too
Buy in bulk. The co-op I go to (Valley Natural Foods) discounts family size packages of chicken breast, so I buy 10 lbs and freeze them in individual portions.
I always go right before they close. And I will offer to buy what they have left for a reduced price. I also ask if they have any “seconds” that they will sell for cheaper. Seconds simply are not cosmetically perfect, they taste just as great. And once they are cut up, noone even has to know.
This post is missing a good link to go to in order to find a farmer’s market near you. I live by Northtown. Any good farmer’s markets nearby?
Lindsey,
We just moved from Northtown area :) there is a market on Tues and Sat 8-2 at st timothys church behind rainbow :)
Also here is a good link for all the twin cities markets :
http://ww2.startribune.com/projects/maps/calendar/farmers_markets.html
Also, you have to be careful what you buy at the market. Some markets allow items that aren’t locally grown, while others make locally grown produce a requirement. Be picky, and support MN/western WI growers.
For meat, get to know the seller. We buy all natural meat from the same seller each week, know him by name, and he knows what we like. He’ll throw in a deal every now and then and will sometimes save us an item if it’s almost out before we get there.
Also, there a quite a few booths at the Mpls market that sell seconds in bulk for a discount. We’ve filled our freezer with canned and preserved produce for a fraction of the cost you would spend in a grocery store.
does anyone know of a good website that shows a “newbie” how to can and preserve produce? Thanks!
Hi everybody–
Kirsten here from the Maple Grove Farmers Market. I’m just curious. Would anybody be interested in a brief Farmers Market tour and “How to Shop the Market” session at the Maple Grove Farmers Market? We’ve considered offering this once a month but I’m wondering if we would have any takers.
Also, Jennifer, you might check with area food coops for food preservation classes. I’m a member of Seward http://www.seward.coop/resources_education but I know that the Wedge and others offer classes. Also, go to the hardware store and buy yourself an inexpensive Ball blue book. Great instructions for canning, freezing, AND drying food. Good luck!