Why I Love Buying My Food from the Farmers Market
Shopping at farmers markets is not just a weekend activity, it’s a lifestyle choice that supports local farms, healthy eating, and sustainable living.
I’ve lived in three major cities and totally understand that the ability to shop at a farmers market depends on your location. I currently live in Seattle where I have access to some great farmers markets year round…rain or shine!
Pike Place Market, Ballard Farmers Market, and Sosios Produce are some of my favorites!
This year I’ve been trying to make the extra effort to purchase certain items from the farmers market and I’ve realized how much I love going consistently.
It’s way more fun than the grocery store! Here are a few reason why I love it!
5 Reasons Shopping at the Farmers Market Matters to Me
Yes, going to the farmers market AND the grocery store might take a little more effort, but here is why it’s worth it! Plus, learn about the amazing benefits farmers markets bring!
My Money is Supporting Small Farms
Name brand grocery stores and food labels have taken over the food industry. This makes it harder for small farmers and small businesses to get their food to the masses and stay afloat.
I would totally rather support small farms directly by purchasing food at the farmers market than supporting big corporations.
The Food Tastes Better
I can 100% taste a difference in the quality of the food. The fruit and vegetables taste more fresh than what I buy at the grocery store.
When I’m able to purchase fresh produce it really gets me excited about eating healthy and cooking. It helps motivate me!
Opportunity to Ask Questions
Being able to ask questions about how the produce was grown or an ingredient in a pantry product is a big deal.
In the sustainability space we talk a lot about choosing organic food. At the grocery store we usually look for the USDA certified organic label. However, there are actually a lot of small scale farms that use organic or regenerative farming practices, but don’t have the third party label due to time and resources.
By asking the farmer directly about the methods you can learn what practices they’re using and if you feel confident purchasing from them. Plus, the overall transparency of their practices allows consumers to make informed choices.
Less Waste
The produce at the farmers market is typically not wrapped in plastic. It’s usually low to zero waste!
Eating local is more sustainable
Farmers markets are champions of sustainability. They often encourage a reduction in food miles—the distance food travels from farm to plate.
By choosing to shop locally, we cut down on the energy required for transportation and storage, significantly reducing our carbon footprint.
It’s more exciting than going to the grocery store!
Going to the farmers market is fun for me! I think it’s exciting to see all the fresh food and be able to buy directly from the farmers.
A lot of people are intimidated by farmers markets because they can be more expensive than typical grocery stores. Depending on what and where you’re shopping this can definitely be true! I encourage you to think of two things:
Where is your money going? For me, I’d rather give my money to small farms instead of supporting major name brand grocery stores.
If you can’t buy everything at the farmers market, consider picking a few items. For us we try to buy as much produce as we can, eggs, and dairy from our local farmers market. But there are some weeks we’re not able to do all that, and that’s okay! And one day I hope to be able to purchase our meat there too, but we’re not on that level yet!
If you haven’t visited a farmers market recently, I encourage you to consider looking for one in your area.
Farmers markets represent a movement toward more thoughtful and responsible consumerism. Let's celebrate and support the incredible work of our local farmers and artisans!
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MEET THE AUTHOR
Emily Waddell is the founder of The Honest Consumer. She has always been passionate about business for good and has a Bachelor degree in Social Entrepreneurship. She currently lives in Seattle where she practices imperfect sustainability. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys supporting small businesses, clean eating, ethical fashion, & practicing slow living. Learn more about Emily’s journey starting The Honest Consumer.