You seem them on every corner during the summer months. Well, at least around our area you do. But if not, check in the paper. They typically advertise them.
Utilizing your local farmers market, or small fruit and vegetable stand is a sure money saver.
These wonderful resources are stocked full of fresh, ripe produce in all types of varieties. From juicy, sweet fruits, to crunchy, healthy vegetables, all of our favorites are present. And there is no better time of year than summer to enjoy some of these treats!
So how do you save money at a farmer’s market? Simply by not purchasing the items at the grocery store. What’s the difference? Price, quality and resource.
Price
The prices vary greatly between the two locations. At the grocery store you can pay upwards of a couple of dollars for a cantaloupe or almost five dollars for a whole watermelon. Whereas a couple of our different markets and fruit stands have whole watermelons for around $2.00-$3.00 and a cantaloupe for around $1.00. Spend enough on fresh fruits and vegetables and this adds up even for one shopping trip! And you typically get more for your money.
Quality
Obviously the quality at a farmer’s market it much better. The produce is all fresh and often comes straight from a field without all the shipping delays, etc. This makes the fruit last longer than that you might purchase at a grocery store.
Resource
Honestly, for me personally – this is probably one of the biggest reasons I shop at the farmer’s market. Of course I like saving money, but I also like the knowledge that I am helping to support some of our local farmers and utilizing local resources. The produce sold at these stands comes straight from a farm or farms in our general area. So I am helping to support those farms. Unlike a grocery store where fruit and vegetables are shipped from all over.
Overall, there are terrific reasons to utilize the resources of farmers markets and fruit stands. So the next time you see one on the side of the road, stop and patronize them. They are typically some of the friendliest, most down to earth people you will meet. And the fresh produce is something you cannot get anywhere else.
Nicole Humphrey writes articles for the Scrapbooking Blog and for the Frugal Blog. She also guest blogs on a variety of topics. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
Related Articles:
Two Of The Biggest Ways American’s Waste Money In the Kitchen
More Ways American’s Waste Money In The Kitchen
Freezer Cooking For Your Family
Essential Items For Freezer Cooking
Great Ways To Cut Food Costs Part 1
Great Ways to Cut Your Food Costs Part 2
Great Ways to Cut Your Food Costs Part 3
Saving Money On Groceries part one
Saving Money on Groceries part two
Saving Money on Groceries part three