Many people assume that buying locally grown and produced food automatically costs more.
Actually, “the best way to save money on produce in general is to buy it in season,” says About.com Local Food blogger Molly Watson, “so visiting farmers markets is a smart move.”
Shopping and cutting costs at a farmers market takes a different mindset than grocery shopping, but using these strategies makes it simple to enjoy the perks of eating locally.
Here are ways you can reduce spending while shopping at your neighborhood farmers market.
1. Skip the Rigid List
If you arrive at the market expecting a specific item, you may leave disappointed and spend more than planned.
Instead, “remain flexible and see what’s offered, then create a meal around what you find,” recommends shopper Brittany Haskell.
Local-food advocate and registered dietitian Nicole Cormier labels this approach intuitive cooking. “You don’t want food to go to waste, so it’s useful to experiment with vegetables in different ways.”
A favorite resource for making the most of market finds is the cookbook From Asparagus to Zucchini: A Guide to Cooking Farm-Fresh Seasonal Produce.
This useful manual lists common vegetables alphabetically with recipes, cooking tips and storage advice to help you maximize whatever produce is fresh, available and affordable.
2. Buy What’s in Season
There’s nothing quite like a ripe strawberry in summer, but out-of-season fruit shipped from far away is neither budget- nor nutrition-friendly. Shopping locally helps you learn food seasonality.
“Agricultural products are more expensive early or late in the season,” notes EatLocalGrown.com.
“Farmers put in extra effort to arrive at market ‘first’ or ‘last’ with a particular crop. When every vendor has an item, the price usually falls; but if only one seller carries something, they can set their own price. To save significant money, purchase items at their seasonal peak.”
Budget-minded food blogger Tiffany of The Nourishing Home echoes this: “In-season produce tends to be cheaper, tastier and richer in nutrients than out-of-season items shipped long distances.”
She recommends two helpful tools to know what to seek at different times of year: “Check what’s in season before you go using this handy NRDC page. It shows what’s seasonal by state, month and type of food!”
“Another choice is Locavore, a free app that tells you what’s in season and which local markets carry it.”
Yes — your smartphone can help you spend less!
3. Opt for Seconds
Produce doesn’t have to be flawless to be delicious.
“Ask farms about seconds — vegetables they wouldn’t sell to restaurants but are perfectly fine for home use,” advises Cormier.
The Carson City Farmer’s Market notes, “Many farmers also offer ‘seconds’ – items slightly bruised or smaller than premium produce, yet taste just as good or are ideal for canning.”
You may need to trim a few spots, but the flavor will be as good as the prettier options.
4. Purchase in Larger Quantities
Buying more at once helps the savings add up. The key to bulk buying is ensuring you can store it properly.
“If you have extra freezer space, bulk purchases of meat and vegetables from local farmers can be practical,” says Cormier.
A quick search on Craigslist turns up affordable chest freezers, and Cormier also recommends investing in a vacuum sealer.
5. Bring Cash — Especially Quarters
Cash dominates at many farmers markets, and quarters can be especially useful, notes EatLocalGrown.com.
“You can often score great bargains if you pay in quarters, particularly on Sundays! Quarters are in demand because farmers may run out when making change. If you show up with rolls of quarters, you might find a farmer willing to give you a tomato or beans just for using them.”
Getting free produce just for carrying some coins? That’s a good trade.
6. Foster Relationships
It’s often who you know, and buying locally is no different.
“Develop a rapport with your local growers and let them know you’ll take any ‘must-sell’ produce at a reduced price. Then use it immediately or freeze it. I often buy extra zucchini for breads and muffins,” Erin Chase of $5 Dinners told AllYou.
Once you’ve established trust with a farmer or two, consider trading non-food items for produce.
The important part is to build the connection first — vendors may be less eager to barter with newcomers.
“Vendors frequently will participate in old-fashioned bartering,” Kelly Thompson and Kasey Trenum of Time 2 Save told AllYou.
“Try swapping surplus household goods, such as cleaning supplies, paper products and toiletries, for fresh fruits and vegetables.”
7. Go Even in Bad Weather
Farmers markets usually operate rain or shine because the season is short.
“You can often find excellent deals when the weather is poor,” suggests ValPak.com.
“Rain, cold or extreme heat keep customers away, so farmers may reduce prices to move product. Fewer shoppers also gives you a chance to chat with vendors and build rapport.”
8. Shop Near Closing Time
Coming late is a bit of a risk, but many seasoned shoppers report finding top bargains in the market’s final 30 minutes.
“The selection won’t be as broad and stalls may be out of popular items, but vendors often prefer to sell remaining goods at a slight discount rather than haul them home,” says Watson.
“Don’t assume farmers have no other use for their items and offer too little. Rounding down to the nearest dollar (or $5 increments for larger purchases) or asking for a free item with multiples is more realistic.”
EatLocalGrown.com recommends this thoughtful tactic:
If you routinely arrive just before closing, make sure you’re entering a mutually beneficial relationship. If a farmer offers you a good deal late in the day, help them out by buying a decent amount. For example, say, “I see you have extra food and I want to help. What can you give me for $20?”
By offering a set sum and letting the farmer choose what to include, you’ll likely get a fair deal and the best of what remains.
9. Think About Joining a CSA
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, a solid option for increasing the amount of local produce in your diet.
When you join a CSA, you buy a “share” of the farm’s harvest for the season and pick up fresh items on a regular basis.
“Although you often pay up front, the average share runs about $30/week and you’ll receive plenty of fresh produce,” says Cormier.
When I participated in a CSA, I bought a half share for the season, saved money and still had plenty of vegetables. Start exploring local options by checking this directory to locate a farmers market near you.
