Shopping at your local farmers market is a wonderful way to increase the nutritional value of your food, reduce your environmental impact, and connect with your community. It can also be intimidating if you don’t know where to start. That’s where some planning ahead and strategy go a long way.

Before You Go:

Plan your meals for the week. This doesn’t have to be thorough. Even mapping out three to five meals (including plans on how to repurpose leftovers) will help you structure your trip and reduce food waste. If this seems intimidating, take a look at my meal planning basics.)

Take stock of what you have. The day before you shop (this is usually Friday for me) take a look in your refrigerator and find creative ways to use up your remaining produce and leftovers. Some of my favorite quick and easy ways to reduce food waste include chopping up leftover veggies for a pizza topping, or baking them into a quiche.

Make room. Toss any wilted or rotten produce, and any spoiled leftovers from the week. Give your produce bins a quick clean with a 10:1 water and alcohol mixture, or a 1:1 white vinegar and water mixture. (For more information on how to set up and maintain an orderly refrigerator, take a look at my guide.)

Create a list (and leave room for inspiration). Beginning with a plan helps you use discretion when buying impulse items. This can be a rough idea on a sticky note or a three-tab spreadsheet. Stick to what works for you. Perusing the farmer’s market is a wonderful way to discover new things, so allow yourself room to make one or two unplanned purchases each week. If something is unfamiliar, talk to the farmer or vendor about how to eat it. They are usually happy to share ways to prepare, cook and pair their food.

While You’re There:

Bring a carrying system. I always take a small pushcart. It doesn’t take up too much space and saves my back, neck, and shoulders. If you bring canvas bags, save your heavier items for last, and be sure you make your way through your list before adding your weekly impulses and inspirations. Keep your storage space in mind, as this will help to keep impulse purchases in check.

Walk the market. This way, you can see what the vendors have on offer that week. Stop to look at the produce. Farming can be variable, and crops can be different week to week. Once you’ve seen what is available, make your purchases on your walk back. Our farmers market stretches four street blocks. This process keeps me from getting overwhelmed and making the smartest choices.

Talk to the vendors. Not every farmer and purveyor will be certified organic, and that is okay. There are some non-organic designated farmers who still use organic practices. They may be too small to afford the lengthy and costly certification. For many small or newer farms, this process can be prohibitive. Always ask the vendor (who is often the farmer, a direct source of valuable information) about their practices.

Enjoy the experience. Approach it with a positive mindset. Plan it as a fun event with yourself, your partner, or your family. (I like to carve out an hour to really enjoy it.) Involve the kids in the process. Often, they enjoy contributing meal ideas for the week or thinking of creative ways to use leftovers.

Remember to always celebrate the small wins. Don't put pressure on yourself to do all your shopping at the farmers market. If you’re new to it, start with buying items for one meal. If you enjoy it, you’ll most likely continue this practice. Food is a pleasure, and your body and mind will appreciate the weekly dose of nutrient rich, local goods.

With Love,
PrimaFoodie