Shopping Tips, Farm Stands and Farmer's Markets

The Summer growing season is flowering with seasonal products. Roadside farm stands and farmer’s markets are well stocked with a wide variety of locally grown products, meats, eggs, goods, fruits, and vegetables. Shoppers are off to buy local, fresh ingredients for their favorite recipe at local farm producers, mobile roadside stands, pop-up markets, and farmer’s market locations throughout Maryland. Roadside farm stands and farmer’s markets bring together a variety of vendors to offer a 1 stop shopping. The experience at a local stand and market makes shopping for the freshest food and support for our farmers and local economy easy and convenient. It also provides a healthier way to make better food choices and save money. 

It is easy to buy more than you will use with so many fresh and delicious options. Creating a shopping list with choices of seasonal goods will help stick to your budget and avoid buying more than you will use. Your farm stand and market list can begin with foods likely purchased at the grocery store, such as eggs, fruits, and vegetables. The Maryland Seasonal Produce Guide makes knowing what is offered throughout the harvest season easy and shopping convenient. 

When visiting the farmer’s market, stop by the market manager’s tent to learn about the ways you can pay for items. Farmers accept cash and electronic credit and debit payments. Having cash on hand is helpful in the event electronic payment is not available.

Additionally, mobile food supplement benefits like SNAP and FMNP have made it easier for farmers to accept electronic food supplement benefit payments to offer fresh fruits and vegetables. Mobile SNAP payments let farmers reach a select population of shoppers with little to no fees for the farmer. You may also be surprised to know that some local farmers markets give extra incentives and matching dollars to shoppers using these benefits. If you want to know more about how you can use or participate in food benefits at a farm stand and farmers market. Visit Maryland’s Money Market Program online. (https://www.marylandmarketmoney.org)

Locate your closest roadside stand or farmers’ market this week and enjoy fresh flavors of the summer. Visit the Maryland’s Farmer Market Directory from Maryland’s Best Agriculture website to find a farm stand or market near you.. (http://www.marylandsbest.net) 

Want more tips? You can access more tips and healthy recipes featuring fresh produce at www.extension.umd.edu/eatsmart. 

(Nate Bratko is the SNAP-ED Project leader and Educator for the University of Maryland Extension, Dorchester and Talbot County Region)