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Family Kitchen
What’s Really More Expensive: Farmer’s Markets or Grocery Stores?
If you think farmer’s markets carry expensive and unattainable organic ingredients that cost more than your local grocery store… think again. In an article by Good Food, studies indicate that many items are much less expensive at the farmer’s markets. There is a perception that the farmer can’t compete with larger production pricing found in chain grocery stores across the country. But according to this regional study, items like cantaloupe, cucumbers, lettuce and peas were as much as 20 percent lower than grocery store equivalents.
Good Food includes eye-opening charts showing the cost comparison between the grocers and the farmer’s markets along with an expert summary of the study. But if you really want to know how the farmer’s markets fair in your area, the best thing you can do is give them a chance. This weekend do some of your shopping at the market. You’ll probably find some deals… but what you’ll really find is great, healthy locally grown whole foods grown with a passion and care that most big food producers and grocers can’t touch.
Let us know where you prefer to shop… the grocery store or the farmer’s market?
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5 Comments
Deborah Benson commented on May 12 11 at 10:58 amI think they are cheaper. If you don’t like the price of something you can negotiate usually. Many times the dealers will give you extra produce just for shopping with them.
Liz McMaster commented on May 12 11 at 1:03 pmI like shopping at local farmer’s markets/produce stands when I know that the money is going more directly to the farmer. Same with seafood and meat!
Some of the markup is going through the middleman/marketing organizations.
PLUS, I am more often thrilled with the produce at a farmer’s market than I am with the underripe or overripe produce that I find in local grocery stores.Liz
Emilie A commented on May 12 11 at 4:20 pmI shop our local Farmer’s Market for all of our produce and it is MUCH cheaper. The meats, cheeses and other dairy are more expensive than grocery stores, but the produce prices are amazing!
gigi commented on May 15 11 at 4:07 pmFarmers’ Market…hands down….no contest. Everything is fresher, cheaper and grown right in my local community plus I am supporting my local farmer/neighbors. I’ve been going to the same market for over 10 years, the wonderful people I’ve met there have become invaluable resources. They are always quick to help with recipe ideas or share cooking tips. I also really appreciate the kind attention they always give to my 3 children who are always shopping along with me.
mar commented on May 16 11 at 12:23 pmAnd CSA’s beat Farm Markets hands down if you are willing to accept the weekly selections dictated by the season.
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