If you’ve ever gone to the market and felt overwhelmed, not sure how to engage with the vendors, or had decision paralysis, you’re not alone! The farmers’ market shopping experience is so different from a grocery store, but with these tips and tricks, we’re confident you will find that it’s much more enjoyable, delicious, and good for your soul. 

What to expect

Farmers’ markets include individual vendors that sell produce, baked goods, meat, eggs, honey, artisan crafts, beverages, prepared food, coffee, and more! Every farmers’ market has a different selection of vendors, some vendors you’ll see every week while others are occasional. Farmers’ markets often have a bustling energy or live music, and places to sit for you to enjoy a snack. They are typically open for 3 to 5 hours once a week. Find a market near you to get started. 

When to go

Most farmers’ markets are open in the morning on Saturday or Sundays, but many are afternoon or early evening markets on weekdays! Go early for the best selection and for a quieter shopping experience. 

Shopping tips

• Make a list. Make a list before you go if you aren’t used to the bustling environment. Some people find it hard to make choices on the spot–us included! We provide a what’s in season list each month in The Basket newsletter.
• Bring cash and bags. Some vendors have debit or credit card readers but cash is the go-to payment method at farmers’ markets. Your vendors will appreciate it! Forgot to bring cash? Most FMNS member farmers’ markets have their own market bucks, which you can purchase using your debit or credit card. Bring a few bags for your shopping experience since most vendors do not offer bags. Pick up one of our giant market totes to shop in style.
• Start small. Enjoy exploring how you can slowly replace your grocery shopping with local options. Market shopping should be fun and inspiring, and there is no shame in making it more manageable and sustainable for you, even if that means with just starting out with eggs, bread and a bag of greens! Every local purchase helps, this is not all-or-nothing!
• Invite others to join you. People of all ages often enjoy visiting the farmers’ market to socialize with others in your community, try a tasty treat, or take in some live music.
• Ask questions. Vendors are proud and excited about their products and can tell you how they are made or grown, and how to cook with or store them! 
• Slow down & enjoy. Many farmers’ markets have delicious treats, hot beverages, and prepared meals available. Sit down and enjoy a snack or meal while you’re at the market to gain the most mental health benefits from being in this community space!

After the market

• Embrace go-to meals. Sometimes people believe they need to completely change how they cook in order to eat with the seasons. We suggest having a few go-to meals that you can swap out with ingredients as the seasons change. This could be sandwiches, soups, sheet pan dinners, pasta, wraps, rice bowls, salads, etc. For example, your frittata may feature asparagus in the spring, zucchini in the summer, squash in the fall, and root vegetables and kale in the winter. All delicious!
• Get inspired! Our monthly newsletter The Basket offers many seasonal recipes each month to get your cooking creativity flowing. You can also grab our free cookbook Simply Seasonal here.
• Stay connected. Lots of farmers’ markets, as well as market vendors, have e-newsletters and social media accounts that you can follow to stay in the loop and learn about events.