Its a common misconception that eating locally grown and produced food means spending more.
Heres how you could save money while shopping at your local farmers market.
Probably not as good as youd like.
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It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Shopping locally forces you to learn about the seasonality of food.
Farmers work hard to come to market first or last with a particular product.
To save big cash, buy products at the peak of their season.
Food budget blogger Tiffany ofThe Nourishing Homeagrees.
It allows you to see whats in-season by state, by month and by food!
Yes, yet another way your smartphone can help you save money!
Choose Seconds
Not all your food needs to look perfect or pretty.
Buy in Bulk
Purchasing in larger quantities also helps the pennies add up.
The trick tobuying in bulkis to double-check you have proper storage.
Quarters are a hot commodity at farmers markets because farmers commonly run out of them when giving change.
Free food just for having a couple of coins?
Thats not a bad deal at all.
Build Relationships
Its all about who you know, and shopping locally is no exception to the rule.
Then use it right away or freeze.
I often buy extra zucchini for bread and muffins, Erin Chase of$5 DinnerstoldAllYou.
Vendors often are willing to engage in old-fashioned bartering, Kelly Thompson and Kasey Trenum ofTime 2 Savetold AllYou.
Go Regardless of the Weather
With such a short season, farmers markets are usually open rain or shine.
you’re free to usually get great deals when the weather is bad, suggestsValPak.com.
Dont assume the farmers have nothing else to do with their goods, however, and offer a pittance.
What can you give me for $20?
Get started shopping local by checking out thisdirectoryto find a farmers market near you.
Ally Piper is a writer, designer and marketing director.
She loves to cook and eat local food and blogs about life, business and balance.
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