Do you find items at your local farmer's market that are cheaper than at the stores?

IMO...For some things yes, and some things no. For example you can get a bag of about 5 lemons or bell peppers for $1 at the farmer's market, whereas these cost almost $1 for one at the grocery store.

Other things are more expensive, but I think you are paying for the quality. For example a box of 3 strawberry baskets runs from $5-$7, and at the grocery store I can often find them for $1/basket on sale. But, the quality is usually nowhere near the same.

So, for me it depends. I only go to the farmer's market a few times a month, and it's mainly for the experience my DD gets. So those few times we go it is more of a treat and i don't really worry so much about the prices (usually take $20 cash and that's all i allow myself to spend).

WOULD LOVE TO KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE KNOWS HOW TO WORK THE FARMERS MARKET FOR GREAT DEALS THOUGH!!!

I think so. When I was on wic I got 18 dollars in farmers market checks and I ended up with quite a few goodies.

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Mom of one kangaroo!

No, our farmers market is always the same if not more money.

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"Before I was a Mom I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body." ~Anonymous

Our farmers market is usually cheaper, at the most it is the same and I like supporting the farmers directly and know I am buying locally. When I consistently get my produce there, I take $15-20 and it buys all the produce I need for the week, around here that's a good price.
My Mom gets great deals at the farmers market she goes to, it's because she gets to know certain vendors and then they give her breaks when she buys large amounts. For example, in the Fall she will go buy a flat of gravenstein apples and then make applesauce and she gets the apples for a steal. When you see the same vendors every week and develop a relationship with them, they will usually cut you a good deal.

No, the farmers' markets seem to be more expensive around me.

We do better w/our farm share (localharvest.org). We pay $550 for organic vegetables to feed a family of five from June to the end of October. This amount also includes organic fruit w/a slighter shorter timeframe. The only downside is the weather could impact the offering, although it has not happened in two years. We usually get about five different vegetables and two substitutions are available.

One tip I heard about farmers markets is that if you like to haggle visit the market at the end of the day and try and score better deals.

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The higher the hair, the closer to heaven.

I would never haggle at a farmers market. Those people work hard on raising there crops and this is a big income or the only income for these people. I think it would be straight up rude. If you don't like the prices don't buy it plain and simple. These people count on the amount they charge to make it thru every day life. I don't think its right that people try and get a deal and take away what others use to take care of there families. Just my opinon though

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Mom of one kangaroo!

Comparable in price, usually, but 1. I'm buying locally and I know that money that I am spending is affecting a real, live, human being. 2. For me to get any real good deals, I have to leave town anyways and this saves me a trip. 3. It is better quality, 9 times out of 10. 4. It is only once a week and I save money by shopping just one day a week - at least for that stuff.

no...the one here where i live is the same price as the grocery stores and they truck their stuff in from who knows where..this stuff is local and they are still charging big $$$.

For us the Farmers Market is such a great activitiy for us. It is held on the same street as the Children's Museum that is open for free. I feel that prices are good but the selection (early in the Season) isn't the best. We have had a very cold spring. There was almost no Fruit. Still I love the idea of being able to support local buisinesses even if it is a tad bit more.

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Kimberly Proud Mommy to Bethany Rose April 2006