Every year I look forward to attending at least one local farmer's market. I really enjoy some of the interesting products that I might not be able to get as easily. I have also met some great people and had some interesting times.
This summer 94% of farmers will be selling produce either every weekend or on a similar schedule. There are currently 4,385 farmer's market in the AMS Farmer's Market directory this is up 18% from 3706 farmer's markets in 2004. In order to locate a local farmer's market check the directory on this website: http://www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/map.htm. Farmer's markets benefit everyone in the community. Both farmers and consumers benefit because the customers have access to fresh produce and the farmers have another source of income for their farms. Additionally 19,000 farmers get 100% of their income farmer's markets. The community benefits in several ways farm fresh products for all, farmer's markets assist with the nutritional education. Farmer's markets help the local economy, and 25% of markets assist food pantries and other organizations that to help with providing food for needy families, thereby indirectly assisting those who need it the most.
So go out this summer and visit your local farmer's markets. They can be great fun and more often than not there are more than just great produce buys, but also interesting things to purchase. I have a friend that buys expensive name brand coffee that she can only find at the farmer's market in her small town. Otherwise she has to travel several miles to a nearby town to get it.
So here are some how to tips on getting great buys at your local farmer's market:
#1 Arrive, or purchase, just before closing time. Some farmers are willing to sell at lower prices to get rid of the last few items rather than haul one or two half empty boxes of tomatoes or cucumbers back to the farm.
#2 Be flexible- If at all possible, try to make menus out of something you purchased cheaper, rather than going to the market for something that might be more expensive. Sometimes it's better to save money if your not needing to have a set menu planned.
This summer 94% of farmers will be selling produce either every weekend or on a similar schedule. There are currently 4,385 farmer's market in the AMS Farmer's Market directory this is up 18% from 3706 farmer's markets in 2004. In order to locate a local farmer's market check the directory on this website: http://www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/map.htm. Farmer's markets benefit everyone in the community. Both farmers and consumers benefit because the customers have access to fresh produce and the farmers have another source of income for their farms. Additionally 19,000 farmers get 100% of their income farmer's markets. The community benefits in several ways farm fresh products for all, farmer's markets assist with the nutritional education. Farmer's markets help the local economy, and 25% of markets assist food pantries and other organizations that to help with providing food for needy families, thereby indirectly assisting those who need it the most.
So go out this summer and visit your local farmer's markets. They can be great fun and more often than not there are more than just great produce buys, but also interesting things to purchase. I have a friend that buys expensive name brand coffee that she can only find at the farmer's market in her small town. Otherwise she has to travel several miles to a nearby town to get it.
So here are some how to tips on getting great buys at your local farmer's market:
#1 Arrive, or purchase, just before closing time. Some farmers are willing to sell at lower prices to get rid of the last few items rather than haul one or two half empty boxes of tomatoes or cucumbers back to the farm.
#2 Be flexible- If at all possible, try to make menus out of something you purchased cheaper, rather than going to the market for something that might be more expensive. Sometimes it's better to save money if your not needing to have a set menu planned.
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