Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Finding a produce market

In a recent post about shopping at my local produce store, Jennifer commented:

Where would I find if we have a produce store in my area?
Thanks for the question!   I can't give you a definitive answer, but here are some places to try!
  • LocalHarvest.org has an extensive list of farmers' markets, farms, CSAs (community supported agriculture), and grocery stores throughout the United States.  Search on your zip code and see what's there!  Note - their listings may be out of date, so call or email first before driving to check out a place.
  • Check the Yellow Pages!  Search under "fruit & vegetable markets," "farmers markets," "fruit & vegetables growers & shippers", or "fruits & vegetables - wholesale."  The latter two might sell directly to customers - but it can't hurt to ask.  (I did this, and my produce market came up first for my area - but I found several others that I wasn't aware of.  Perhaps I'll give them a try, too.)
  • Keep your eyes open!  My store has a van with their logo and information parked in the parking lot, and they had signs near the street advertising a 50% off sale.  That's how I found them in the first place.  Local farmers markets that occur once a week or once a month might put up signs prior to the event.
  • Ask around!  If you have friends, neighbors, or relatives who love vegetables, ask where they buy their items.
  • And for the most local produce of all, consider growing some yourself.  Even if you have just a balcony, you can get a few pots of tomatoes and herbs. 
Hope this helps, Jennifer!  Thanks for the question!

For more frugal tips, please check out the bloggers listed on the left sidebar under Frugal Tips Linkups. There are lots of great ideas on each blog and I'm sure you'll find lots of wonderful tips!
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3 comments:

Elizabeth,  June 15, 2011 at 8:26 AM  

It was indeed a good question..I clicked on the local harvest.org site and found a market not 10 miles from where I live. So excited to check this out...Thank you!!

robbie @ going green mama June 15, 2011 at 11:06 AM  

Word of mouth is a big thing. Ask friends where they go - eating local is becoming a bigger and bigger trend.

Also, if you're traveling (or even if you're staying put) check out your state's tourism site. Many of them have resources for "agritourism."

Coupon Teacher June 18, 2011 at 8:40 PM  

One of my local grocery stores is now offering a local CSA, I was so excited!

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