Farmers markets are good options for those on a tight budget
Editor: Do farmers markets have a place for people on a tight budget? Surprisingly, yes! Budget shoppers can participate in the lively bustle without breaking their bank accounts. They promote local, organic, and seasonally fresh produce. Although farmers markets sell gourmet items such as zucchini blossoms and microgreens, they are not an exclusive club.
It is hard to ignore that farmers markets play an active role in many neighborhoods. According to the USDA, their presence has been exponentially growing within the last 20 years. Shifts in food trends indicate that people want to purchase more locally sourced, fresh foods.
The perception I held that farmers markets only offered exorbitantly overpriced produce compared to supermarkets was false. This is true in certain, more affluent communities that can afford to increase the prices of their produce. However, the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources conducted a sevenmonth study observing that farmers markets price their organic produce similarly to the prices in grocery stores. Similarly, but in a different study, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets justified that 92 percent of organic was competitively priced in farmers markets when compared to grocery stores. When comparing conventional produce, the competitive prices dropped down to only 33 percent as competitively priced. A program in California is making space for individuals from low-income backgrounds to relish in the farmers market experience. Market Match incentivizes people on federal programs, such as SNAP, to spend their federal nutrition benefits at farmers markets. Low-income shoppers gain access to fresh produce while also promoting new shopping habits that empower them to buy produce.
As a budget shopper, don’t be wary of farmers markets. And don’t just settle for one farmers market. After scoping out several different markets within your community, you will notice which provide unbeatable prices and which steal your paycheck. Grab your reusable bags, find a local market, absorb the alluring smells of fresh Genovese basil and sweet strawberries, and indulge in the excitement of farmers markets. Farmers’ markets are hubs for everyone — not just for the frivolous spender.