To be honest, I rarely shop at farmers’ markets and, when I do, it’s mostly to buy bread, baked goods and other prepared foods. Though my parents make a point of supporting local businesses and their local farmers’ market, now that I’m living on my own, I’ve fallen into the habit of buying most of my food at the grocery store.
There are several reasons not to shop at farmers’ markets: Markets tend to be open limited hours and may not be in a convenient location. Shopping at farmers’ markets is also less efficient than buying all your groceries in one place.
Yet we know that supporting local farmers benefits both the environment and the local economy. In light of that, I thought I’d give shopping at a farmers’ market a try.
Why shop at farmers’ markets?
Buying your food directly from farmers supports local businesses and increases your connection to the food on your plate. Produce at farmers’ markets tends to be significantly fresher than produce at the grocery store, which means it’s not only tastier, but also retains more nutrients.
Produce has typically travelled fewer kilometres to reach the market, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Farmers may also be certified organic or use other sustainable farming practices.
You may find a greater variety of produce at farmers’ markets. Of course, it’s not only fruit and vegetables that you’ll find there. You’ll also find prepared foods, entertainment, events, arts and crafts, and more.
Tips for shopping at farmers’ markets
If you’re like me, you may feel apprehensive at the thought of shopping at a farmers’ market. Here are some tips to help you get the most of the experience.
Find information about local farmers’ markets
If you don’t know where to start, I’d recommend Googling farmers’ markets in your city or town. You may find listings in local newspapers or on tourism or food blogs. Keep an eye on local parks and community centres as well since they may have posters up about local markets.
If you’re based in Ontario and particularly Toronto, check out Farmers’ Markets Ontario’s “Find a Farmers’ Market” tool and marketcityTO’s map of farmers’ markets in Toronto.
Check the market’s website and social media before visiting
Check the farmers’ market’s website and social media accounts before heading out to learn about the market and which vendors will be in attendance. This is also important for finding out about any changes or weather-related cancellations.
Follow the market’s social media pages and sign up for their newsletter to be notified about seasonal produce and new vendors.
Plan when to go
If you arrive close to when the market opens, there will be a greater selection of foods available. Produce and breads will also be fresher. As the day progresses, certain popular items may sell out.
On the other hand, vendors may offer discounts near the end of the day in an effort to sell the last of their produce.
Plan what to buy (while remaining flexible)
Before heading to the market, make a list of what you’re hoping to get (it helps to have a meal plan). This will help ensure you get what you need and don’t buy more produce than you can possibly eat.
However, keep in mind that the market may not have the specific vegetable you’re looking for—it may not be in season or may have run out before you arrive. Be open to buying something else instead or trying something new. That’s part of the fun of shopping at farmers’ markets!
Allow plenty of time
This is not a grocery store where you can get in and out with all your groceries for the week in an hour or less. Allow extra time for wandering around, seeing what’s available, asking questions to vendors—and even buying a snack or two.
Bring enough cash
Many vendors don’t accept debit or credit, so make sure to bring cash with you. Paying with cash also prevents any credit and debit processing fees for the small business.
Try to bring some smaller coins to make payment go smoother for you and the vendor.
Bring reusable bags and containers
Bring several large, sturdy reusable bags to carry your purchases around the market and to your home. Vendors may not give out plastic bags, plus using reusable bags cuts down on plastic waste. Bring reusable produce bags or reusable containers for storing fruit and vegetables as well.
Buy seasonally
Don’t expect to find out-of-season items or produce shipped from far away, like bananas. Instead, you’ll find fresh, nutritious, tasty food that’s often grown locally.
Research seasonal fruits and vegetables in your region to learn what you can expect to find at the market in a given month. If you’re based in Ontario, check out Foodland Ontario’s guide to find out what’s in season when.
Ask questions to the vendors
Ask questions to the farmers to learn how their produce was grown and what they would recommend. They will most likely be happy to tell you more about their products, including how to store and cook them to get the most out of your purchases.
My experience shopping at a farmers’ market
So how did my experience end up being shopping at a farmers’ market? The truth is that I wasn’t successful the first time. I went to a local park that was supposed to have a farmers’ market on Wednesday evenings, but there was no market in sight. They had posted on their Instagram about a market in a different location, but it wasn’t clear whether that market was replacing the original one.
It just goes to show the importance of double checking before heading out the door and of being involved with your local farmers’ market on an ongoing basis so that you stay informed about important changes!
Thankfully, my second attempt was more successful. I went to a more-established market a bit farther away. It was a beautiful sunny morning, and the atmosphere was friendly and calm. I got a large zucchini, some raspberries and a flatbread.
I even worked up the courage to ask one of the growers how to cook okra (her suggestion: cut it into slices, stir-fry it with garlic, then add a little water). I did feel a little awkward at times, but overall it was a positive experience!
I want to know: What has your experience been shopping at farmers’ markets?
Categories and tags:
Share this post:
