By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern
When you’re in need of groceries, what’s your go-to source? Maybe it’s a quick trip to your closest grocery store. Maybe you do a grocery delivery service. Or, if you’re like my mom, you make bi-weekly trips to Costco and Sam’s Club to stock up all at once. Another grocery shopping option you might consider trying out is your local farmer’s market! Besides just being a fun environment, there are lots more reasons to do your shopping there!
(photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com)
It’s a good outdoor activity.
Most farmer’s markets are all held outdoors, where you can walk up and down aisles and aisles of vendors. This can be a fun way to get out of the house, get your groceries, and also get some movement in all at the same time! Plus, it’s even better when the weather is nice outside!
You get fresher products.
Often, all of the products that vendors bring to the market are all freshly picked, or freshly made and haven’t been sitting on store shelves for a while. This means you’ll get the best taste, quality, and least preservatives in your foods.
You’re supporting local farmers and producers.
When you buy grocery items from a farmer’s market, you’re choosing to support local farmers and producers right here in Arizona! Not only are you helping them to grow their business, but you’re also getting some of the best food products available!
You can find more unique options.
I love seeing all the weird and unique fruits, and that these smaller, more focused growers bring to each market. Similarly, those who bring baked goods or other prepared foods also tend to bring unique items as well. I’ve noticed that farmer’s markets in Arizona are also one of the best places to get authentic Mexican foods, such as homemade tamales, tortillas, salsa, and chips.
So, the next time that you’re in need of some groceries, or when you’re just looking for something to do outdoors, consider finding a nearby farmer’s market and checking out all that they have to offer!
Check out the list below of some farmer’s markets happening around Arizona!
- Ocotillo Market – Open Sundays
- Ahwatukee Farmers Market – Open Sun All Year
- Carefree Farmers Market – Open Fri All Year
- Downtown Chandler – Open Sat All Year
- Farmers Market High Street – Open Sundays
- Old Town Scottsdale – Open Saturdays
- Roadrunner Farmers Market – Open Sat All Year
- Sun City Farmers Market – Open Thursdays
- Verrado Farmers Market – Open Sundays
- Uptown Farm and Artisan Market – Open Saturdays
As always, if you want to learn more about Arizona agriculture, health, or nutrition, check out the Fill Your Plate blog! Plus, Fill Your Plate has a searchable database of farmers’ markets across the state.