09/04/2025
I know we all love a bargain, but to me there is a difference between cheap and value. As my grandmother always said "It's better to pay the grocer than the doctor"
Some people eat out, instantly update to the newest technology or simply give over to filling a gas tank for $70, but scoff at spending even a fraction at a farmers' market. Locally grown food is soooo much fresher and it often last weeks longer, so I avoid food waste. Science shows that food has greater nutritional value when it achieved full ripeness in the field and did not grow old in shipping/storage, AND I get to support local farmers trying to earn an earnest living.
My local markets also offer vouchers for veterans, and double SNAP benefits so you can get twice as much if you can't afford full price, and many of the farmers I know donate fresh produce to the local food banks at the end of the market. I would also add that factories that process food use more machines than people, and small farmers are often working and providing real, local jobs in your community that have to process the food you get at the market (and guess what, many of those jobs are the only jobs your grandkids are finding out there).
I'm thinking that some just hear the bug commercial consumer culture pundits put in their ear. Take a second look. Shop wisely, and the farmers market can be a healthy way to diversify your food dollars whether you are doubling your dollars or buying what you can afford to support your local economy and environment.
