Top 12 Market Manager Tips
I want to personally welcome you to the 2022 Farmers Market Seasons! We are thrilled to bring you another season of amazing local vendors, community organizations, musicians and artists, family activities and more. Walking through the Market is an exciting way to spend a morning or afternoon, taking in the flavors and colors of the season, meeting friends and neighbors and relaxing. We are happy that you choose to support our local vendors and thank you for making the Farmers Market an important part of your family’s weekly food choices.
With gratitude, I offer you my Market Manager’s tips for making the most of your weekly Market visit.
Plan your weekly menus around what’s locally in season at the market. Bring a list to guide you in shopping wisely, and delight in unexpected market finds.
Arrive early for best selection as many seasonal items sell out quickly and you won’t want to miss out!
If possible, walk, ride your bike or take Metra to the Market to avoid looking for parking.
Bring cash (saves processing fees for local farmers and businesses). Some farmers market vendors also accept payment apps like Venmo and Zelle.
Bring re-usable bags and an insulated tote for your purchases. Extra points if you also bring “ice” to keep your produce fresh on a hot day and keep a cooler in your vehicle.
When you get home, immediately store your purchases to ensure maximum freshness.
Walk the market first to discover what’s in season this week.
Buy local. Buy seasonal. Buy organic when possible.
Oddly shaped veggies, bumpy fruit and unevenly colored tomatoes are a part of nature, especially for organically-grown produce, and to be expected at a farmers market. Cosmetically perfect produce is a mass-produced grocery store commodity.
Whenever possible, take the entire vegetable home with you. Use veggie greens in salads, sautéed, tossed in stir fries and for stock. Compost items like corn husks.
Buy in bulk when possible. Be careful not to overbuy to avoid food waste.
Know your farmer, know your food. Talk to the farmers and vendors. Hear their stories and learn about the produce and artisanal products. Ask questions, learn where and how your food was grown or crafted.