We are long time fans of our local farmers markets. Having been a vendor for several years with the bakery, we have been on both sides of the markets, shopping and selling. We’ve been behind the scenes, trying to help grow a market and make it successful as well as finding when the customer support just isn’t there and we’ve had to shut a market down.
Many of the vendors are local farmers, bakers, chefs, and crafters trying to start their own business, trying to support themselves.
It’s because of this that I implore you to find the local farmers markets and shop them.
Here are my top five things to look for from your local farmers market…
Ask the farmers where their produce comes from.
There are many farmers who may not be labeled as “organic,” but use processes that produce sustainable growing practices that may rival or be better than organic farming practices. Talking with the farmer about how they grow their produce, where they are from, and finding out about their story not only takes you into knowing more about the food you are eating, but shows an interest in their livelihoods.
Additionally, there are some farming co-ops that will bring produce from several neighboring farms and represent all those particular farms at the market. Finding out specifics lets you know the background behind your food.
Take a taste and give feedback.
There are so many vendors who will give out samples for you to try. As a bakery, we would often sample our breads. One of the hardest things to deal with, though, would be people who would take a sample, tell us how wonderful our breads were and how much they loved them and then say they were going to circle the market and then they’d be back. The second we heard that, we knew they weren’t coming back and we were left wondering what they didn’t like.
It isn’t that handing out the sample was frustrating. I’d gladly give samples to anyone and everyone, whether they purchased or not, but also don’t be afraid to give a little feedback. Did you try a hummus that had a little too much garlic? You could say, “I loved how creamy the hummus was, but the garlic was a little strong for my taste.” Is the price a little higher than you can pay or the jar a little larger than your family will eat? Give a little feedback like, “I really loved your jam (or whatever the product is), but I don’t think it’s in our budget today,” or “I loved the cheese dip, but the tub is just a little larger than our family can consume. I wish there were a variety of sizes.”
In the end, these are still businesses that would greatly appreciate a little feedback because it will help them better serve their customer base – you! If customers just disappear and the vendor never knows why you didn’t return, they can’t improve.
Farmers markets are more than food.
Oftentimes there will be a craft section or crafters spread throughout a farmers market. A good farmers market will have a majority of food vendors with 10-25% crafters. These crafters may have everything from photography and art to soaps, baby and kids clothes to doggie apparel. Some of the most unique finds in my house are from crafters at farmers markets, so make sure you take time to stop in their booths and take a look around. You never know what hidden gem you might find and love.
Involve your kids in the process.
One of my favorite things both as a vendor and as a mom is involving my kids in the process at the market. In the market setting rather than just at a grocery story, they are able to become a part of the shopping and purchasing process. They can ask their own questions of the vendors and learn about their trades. They can try different samples, discuss what they like or don’t like, look at the vegetables and fruits, and be a part of paying for the items.
There is something novel about having your child carry around their own bag, picking out the foods they are going to eat, and having them carry it to the next booth. There is a sort of respect I would see from kids who regularly came to the farmers market with their parents. They respected the hard work that the farmers and vendors put into their business and valued the product or food a little more because they met directly with the people who were creating it. There are some wonderful lessons to be learned at the farmers market.
Go often because the vendors will change.
Yes, there are some vendors who will be there every week. We were one of those vendors who were there every week, rain or shine. But there are also some vendors who only come on alternating weeks or the first week of the month. Because of this, there will always be someone new, something new to try, and different discoveries to be had.
So go as often as you can! Check out the market’s website ahead of time to see who might be there. See what might be new that you can check out. You never know what you might find.
Farmers markets can be found in almost every city and town. They may vary the day and time they are held, they may be rain or shine or have only a good weather policy. They may have lots of vendors or just a few. No matter what, though, you are sure to learn so much about farming, your food, and the local businesses from your area.
These markets will bring a uniqueness to your area that you won’t be able to find in a Walmart or Target or other grocery store. Many times the vendors only sell at markets and don’t sell to the big box places. By going to the markets, you are supporting your local economy. You won’t regret taking some time to explore.