Over recent years, farmers markets have become quite popular. They come with a charming community feel and eliminate the corporate middleman. Moreover, farmers markets allow city dwellers to get a taste of farm fresh produce by simply traveling into town.
The Department of Agriculture has reported the number of farmers markets has increased from 1,755 to 4,685 in 2008 alone. And, there is no sign of this trend ending.
But the question is, what are the benefits and drawbacks of shopping at these trendy markets? Will you save or lose money? Is the produce at these markets actually better than the grocery stores’ selection?
Being a vegetarian, these questions have a lot of relevance in my everyday life. But, everyone is worried about costs and quality and if there is a way to save, I think we’re all interested in getting in on it.
When buying produce at the grocery store, you have no idea where it’s coming from. Most likely, whatever you’re purchasing is not from the closest farm, so you’re not only paying the grocery store but you’re paying for the transportation of your produce as well.
If you shop at a farmers market, the growers take 100 percent of their sales. Therefore, you’re directly putting money back into the local economy, which is something we all know is helpful in Michigan’s current economic climate.
Also, because of skipping the middleman, farmers markets are typically cheaper. The farmers themselves control what they charge for their produce and usually adjust prices according to quality and season.
When shopping at a farmers market, the produce you’re choosing is extremely fresh. Sometimes, the product has been harvested that day.
While shopping at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, I asked the woman at a stand how fresh the pepper I had been spying was. She casually responded that it had been picked from her garden that same day. No matter how good your grocery store is, the produce is never straight ‘off the vine.’
Farmers markets usually take place just once or twice a week. So, you’ll have to arrange to go shopping at a specific time, which, depending on your schedule, may be difficult.
But, both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti host markets every week. Ypsilanti’s market takes place on Tuesdays from 2-6 p.m. on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Hamilton. In November, the market will move into the Corner Brewery where it will take place just every other week.
Ann Arbor’s farmers market is open on Wednesday and Saturday from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. And, in January, they will be open only on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
If you’re not from the Ypsi-Arbor area, there is a great website called LocalHarvest.org that is dedicated to helping people find markets in or around their hometown.
Not everyone is the farmers market type, but the experience is worth trying at least once. If nothing else, going to the market can be a fun outing that provides some fresh air and friendly faces.
