SHOP SAVVY

Your local farmer’s market can be a hidden gem for the frugal shopper. You buy your food directly from the farms that grew it – no middleman driving prices higher - and each step brings you to the discovery of new bounty. We know there’s budget minded shoppers out there looking for the best deals and we’re here to help you make the most of future visits to the North Park and Adams Avenue Farmers’ Markets.

• Shop around, explore and buy at peak season: It’s always good to take a stroll through the market before buying; see who has what and for how much. When produce is at its peak the price will be lower due to abundance.
• Make friends with the vendors and be a frequent shopper: Ask questions about the farm, the food and the business. The better you know your vendors the more likely you are to find out about specials or get insider info on the tastiest items.
• Come with a list, but be flexible: Shopping with a list is always helpful in maintaining a budget, but be willing to change or swap items for better deals you may find. If you’re unsure how to use the new purchase, ask the vendor for preparation suggestions. Have an idea of what you want to spend and stick to it.
• Join a CSA: A lot of the community supported agriculture (CSA) programs out there have pick-up locations at farmer’s markets and are incredibly affordable to boot! When you get your box, take a peek inside and since you’re already at the market you can easily shop around for whatever else you might need for the week.