From Nicole Kidder, Colors:
Despite the enormous benefits, the common misconception exists that shopping at a farmers market is only for the rich. However, several recent studies demonstrate that market prices tend to be more consistent, and thus, cheaper because it cuts out the middle man. While some prices are admittedly higher, particularly for ethnic and regional products that aren’t regularly available in most grocery stores, farmers markets do tend to save the average shopper at least a few dollars.
Statistics students at Seattle University have spent several quarters comparing bills at local grocery stores and farmers markets and the results are the same each time: farmers markets not only provide better quality produce, but at a cheaper price, overall. One shopping trip to the Safeway on Rainier Ave. resulted in a purchase of $17.34, while the same organic produce was purchased at the Columbia City Farmers Market for $12.77.
“According to the FDA, the average family should spend about $330 a month on groceries. At the farmers market, $330 will get you 152.25 pounds of organic produce; at Whole Foods you can get 131.80 pounds and at QFC a mere 118.6 pounds for the same $330,” summarized a Winter 2008 report by the students. Read more.
The Columbia City Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday in the Columbia Plaza at Rainier Avenue South and South Edmunds, from 3 to 7 pm, through October 21.
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Interesting article and thanks for posting. I imagine most of the unnecessary expense of CCFM is the high cost of renting booth space is too high and this gets passed on to the consumer. Why this costs so much, I have no idea. Permits, perhaps?
Thanks for this info. I haven’t gone to the Farmers Market because I’d heard the prices were quite high. Now for sure I’m going.
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