Food purchasing habits changed during the pandemic, and with polls showing that farmer’s markets are taking over in popularity from supermarkets, it seems that despite them being mostly forced upon us in childhood, we actually love our fresh veg and all these markets have to offer more than ever. But a sticking point for a lot of us, can be the price of getting all this fresh goodness straight from a farm. Do not fear though…there are ways around on it on a budget.
Farmer’s markets are like a mix of everything in today’s world that we care about. They’re local, artisan, and they’re packed with all sorts of healthy and/or delicious fresh foods. The only downside, is that farmer’s markets can be pretty expensive. So you may have been shying away from going to your local market, or maybe it never even occurred to you to check one out assuming they’re too costly.
“Look at what’s in season…maybe ask the vendor for recommendations or look up some recipes on your phone while you’re there too,”
Yes, the farmer’s market can be significantly more expensive than going to the supermarket. But with a little thought, you can make your local farmer’s market a beloved part of your weekly shopping schedule.
Don’t plan to do your grocery shopping there
Unless you have the cash, the farmer’s market is not the place to buy all your groceries. If you go in planning to buy all your produce for the week, it is easy to get overwhelmed and frustrated. Shrink your plan down to a small list, such as food for a single meal or a particular snack to last you through the week. That meal and the process of picking out the food for it, can then become a special tradition every weekend.
Bring cash
Some farmer’s markets will let you pay with credit cards. But they will often require you to pay a surcharge on top of the actual cost. So if you want to save a little money, make sure you have cash on you when you arrive. Even if it’s only a few pounds, your savings will build up over time!
Wander around before purchasing anything
There are a few reasons for this. The first is to simply take in the festive atmosphere; it’s definitely worth it. But doing an initial lap, also allows you to see what’s available at all the different stands. Every market is different, and frequently, the same market will have different vendors from week to week, so take some time to walk around and see what you might like to buy before doing impulse purchases.
The bonus of this is that you can then discreetly compare prices.
Be flexible
Even if you’re just planning a meal or a snack, don’t arrive with a rigid plan. Since things change from week to week, be open to trying something new. Look at what’s in season, maybe ask the vendor for recommendations or look up some recipes on your phone while you’re there gaining inspiration from the ingredients. If you’re seeking something new, you’re less likely to be disappointed if the food you wanted isn’t available or is out of your price range.
Make the farmer’s market an event
There’s so much more than food at the farmer’s market. Depending on where you are, there’s sometimes live music, cooking demonstrations, face painting, and other attractions. And it’s free to walk around and check it all out! You don’t even really need to buy anything to have fun. And if you go for the food, there’s so much variety there. Explore, try samples, and have some fun at the farmer’s market!
Our Top Tip’s When Visiting a Farmer’s Market!
- Check the environment. There’s no point spending money on fresh produce from a farm, for it only then to be displayed on a busy main road having exhaust fumes blown over it all day!
- Ask the vendors which farm their produce is from and if they use pesticides or such. Check it’s authenticity and whether it is organic.
- Haggle. It’s always worth haggling to get a lower price, especially if you are buying more than one item from a vendor. Don’t be embarrassed- lots of people get a good price this way! And it’s a fun way to have some friendly banter with the vendor.
- Ask ‘consume by date.’ Vendors can tell you approximate dates of when you should consume the items you are purchasing. More professional ones, will even date it for you!
Curious where there’s a farmer’s market near you? Most towns and cities have them weekly or monthly, so visit your local community websites for information and reviews.