I swear this is propaganda. I have 3 farmers’ markets within biking distance of me (that I’ve visited regularly, there are another 2 on inconvenient days for me), in a capital city. All are cheaper than the grocery store. Yet when I tell people I do my weekly shop at the farmer’s markets, they always say something to this effect. The popular opinion simply does not match the reality. There are some stalls which are more expensive, but they are usually targeting a much higher quality, and are normally prepared products (pasta, sauces, etc.) rather than raw produce.
You mention Boston, so I will share my experience with New England. There are “farmers markets” advertised everywhere, but 90% its just a free way for people to setup stands for candles, honey and overpriced crafts. The few people who bring produce to the market often realize that there is no real demand so they can sell 500% marked up veggies to upper class wives that don’t actually do any manual shopping and know what prices should be. Not to mention the difference between quality.
the little farm near me that sells lots of garlic is crazy expensive. I was so confused by the pricing that I just stood there staring at it until someone came over and asked if I needed help
$10 for three heads of garlic. regular size. $45 for a single little basket, like those small strawberry baskets, or what a pound of mushrooms comes in.
idk what is so special about that magic garlic. I didn’t look at the prices of other stuff and I wish I had lol
YMMV. If you can bike to three farmers’ markets, they sell it, or it goes to waste. Plenty of goods there.
I live a bit further from farms. We get a market or two per county. Occasional roadside stands.
I’ve seen trucks on the side of the road selling Driscoll’s berries at grocery prices when they were in season sourced from several states away. I’ve also seen farmers’ markets where everything is half the retail price.
You also have to consider where people are shopping. If they’re already at Aldi or Lidl, they’re already taking advantage of fresh/high quantity purchases. If they’re in spouts, wegmans or whole foods, you can proably walk out of there for $1 on a $10.
It could be because you have so much competition. My area has one farmers market but its not used as one most the time. Other places might never have one.
I swear this is propaganda. I have 3 farmers’ markets within biking distance of me (that I’ve visited regularly, there are another 2 on inconvenient days for me), in a capital city. All are cheaper than the grocery store. Yet when I tell people I do my weekly shop at the farmer’s markets, they always say something to this effect. The popular opinion simply does not match the reality. There are some stalls which are more expensive, but they are usually targeting a much higher quality, and are normally prepared products (pasta, sauces, etc.) rather than raw produce.
It highly varies.
100% agree.
You mention Boston, so I will share my experience with New England. There are “farmers markets” advertised everywhere, but 90% its just a free way for people to setup stands for candles, honey and overpriced crafts. The few people who bring produce to the market often realize that there is no real demand so they can sell 500% marked up veggies to upper class wives that don’t actually do any manual shopping and know what prices should be. Not to mention the difference between quality.
It depends entirely on where you live. My last place, it was a super over priced yuppie gathering spot with subpar produce. Here, exact opposite.
the little farm near me that sells lots of garlic is crazy expensive. I was so confused by the pricing that I just stood there staring at it until someone came over and asked if I needed help
$10 for three heads of garlic. regular size. $45 for a single little basket, like those small strawberry baskets, or what a pound of mushrooms comes in.
idk what is so special about that magic garlic. I didn’t look at the prices of other stuff and I wish I had lol
The farmer’s markets around me are absolute extortion rackets. That being said, I buy my vegetables from a local farm coop that is a very good deal.
or maybe your personal experience is not the reality for everyone, how about that?
Maybe your experience with personal experience is not the reality for everyone, how about that?
crosses arms
Maybe, but in this case I was talking about the popular opinion in my city. That said, my sibling in another city has the same thing going on.
YMMV. If you can bike to three farmers’ markets, they sell it, or it goes to waste. Plenty of goods there.
I live a bit further from farms. We get a market or two per county. Occasional roadside stands.
I’ve seen trucks on the side of the road selling Driscoll’s berries at grocery prices when they were in season sourced from several states away. I’ve also seen farmers’ markets where everything is half the retail price.
You also have to consider where people are shopping. If they’re already at Aldi or Lidl, they’re already taking advantage of fresh/high quantity purchases. If they’re in spouts, wegmans or whole foods, you can proably walk out of there for $1 on a $10.
Do you truly want fruit and veg that the farmer probably spat on? Please like and subscribe
It could be because you have so much competition. My area has one farmers market but its not used as one most the time. Other places might never have one.