Saving in This Economy ... The Farmers' Market

So it's 2010, and you want to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet. You find decent produce prices at Walmart, but the quality is subpar. You head over to Whole Foods, where the quality is exceptional, but the prices make your jaw drop. If you don't know about the place that combines good quality with low prices -- the farmers' market -- I will share it with you today.

What is a farmers' market? In a nutshell, it is a market, generally outdoors, where local farmers bring leftover fruits, vegetables, and sometimes, eggs and meats to sell. The produce is typically cheaper than that sold in the grocery stores because the farmers are looking to get rid of their extra harvest. Additionally, the middle man is cut out of the picture, which means more profit for the local farmer and more savings for the buyer. Depending on the market, the food is generally tastier, fresher, and/or more organic than that sold in the stores. Farmers' markets are not open daily like grocery stores; they generally operate a couple times in the month.

This morning, I went to my first farmers' market since who knows when in an effort to be more economical in 2010. I was amazed that I was able to purchase four grocery bags worth of tomatoes, celery, onions, red lettuce, broccoli, and cauliflower for $18.50. Just out of curiosity, I stopped at Target along the way to compare a couple of prices:

FARMERS' MARKET:
*Tomatoes - $2/lb
*Onion - $0.50/each
*Celery - $0.50/each

TARGET:
*Tomatoes - $3.49/lb
*Onion - $0.99/each
*Celery - $1.99/each

And there we have it! If you are aiming to eat healthier this year while also saving some change, check out your local farmers' market. You may be amazed!

*************************************

DIRECTORY OF FARMERS' MARKETS
MORE ABOUT FARMERS' MARKETS

To Buy Organic? That is the Question

It is worth buying organic spinach, potatoes, broccoli, or tomatoes? Going organic reduces the potential health risks of consuming foods that have been exposed to synthetic pesticides and chemically adulterated ingredients. But if you cannot afford to go organic, is it worth forfeiting the health benefits of absorbing essential vitamins from conventional fruits and vegetables? Here is an informative slideshow that addresses the overarching question of whether to buy organic:

TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY ORGANIC

Here is an article on the topic as well:
ORGANIC VS. CONVENTIONAL