Tips for Going to Farmers Markets During COVID-19

My weekly trip to the farmers market is one of my favorite things about summer.  There’s nothing like it…musicians playing in the background, farmers telling you when the vegetables you’re holding were picked, and hearing the young sons of the fisherman saying they helped catch the tuna we’ll be eating that night.  A farmers market is a great place to bring kids/teens. Here are 10 Tips For Going to Farmers Markets: 

HELP PLAN MENUS

Kids will be more likely to eat a meal if they had help planning it.  Each week, give them a new item off the menu to plan.  For example, each week they can plan the main dish, a side, and a dessert.  Give them full rein on it and although you can offer suggestions, let them do most of the work.  Whatever they plan, they will be responsible for helping cook.

TRY SOMETHING NEW

Give each person in the family the task of choosing something your family has never tasted.  Is there a type of cheese that looks interesting?  Is there a veggie that looks odd?  Have them ask the farmer for suggestions on how to cook it.

PRACTICE RESPONSIBILITY

Give your kids a job while at the market.  Give everyone reusable bags and have them hold your purchases. Teach them how to choose ripe produce.  Give them the task of paying.

LOCALLY GROWN FOOD

Discuss how far fruits and vegetables need to travel from their farm to get to you.  Have them ask the farmers where their farms are located.  Take the time to discuss how food is seasonal, and why there are different food at the market as the summer goes on.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Farmer’s markets are a good opportunity to discuss how grocery stores are not always the best places to buy food.  Discuss the difference between organic produce and ones that use hormones, pesticides, and GMO’s.

TALK TO FARMERS

Farmers are a wealth of knowledge and most are willing to talk to kids about their job.  Encourage your kids to ask them questions about their farm, their animals, or their products.  When you’re driving home, talk to them about the importance of eating local food to financially support your community.

PRACTICE MATH

I know…I know…math…it’s summer! As parents, we know the best way to get kids to study is the age-old strategy of trickery! Have your kids weigh the produce, calculate the cost, and count out the change.  A fun challenge is to give them a set amount of money and have them use it to create an entire meal.  They won’t even know they’re doing math (insert evil laugh).

RAINBOW OF COLOR CHALLENGE

Variety is the spice of life.  It is also the best way to get the most vitamins and nutrients from your vegetables.   Challenge your kids to find one vegetable from each color of the rainbow.

GO FOR LUNCH

Make the market an experience that includes lunch.  There are often food vendors at markets and it’s a great time to try some local food.

CHECK OUT LOCAL CRAFTS

There are so many other items at a farmer’s market.  Our favorite market, has candles, lip balm, dog treats, wood pieces, artwork, and more.  One of my favorite booths sells products made from local herbs. I put their rosemary salt on everything!

Extra tips

-Go early in the day for the best picks.

-Want to save money? Some booths lower their prices towards the end of the day.

-Try the samples.  You may discover something you’ll love. (Don’t be surprised if your market is not offering samples this summer.)

-Compliment people if you like their product, even if you don’t plan to buy it.  It takes guts to sell something you’ve grown or made and they will appreciate your words of kindness.

-Carry cash because not all booths will take credit cards.  You may also want to bring small bills.  Many vendors are asking for you to pay with a credit card for contactless payments.

-Practice self-distancing!  Give at least 6 feet to customers and vendors.

-Pre-order when possible.

-Don’t touch products you don’t plan on buying.  

-Always wash all produce.  I use a vinegar/water bath on everything.

-Don’t crowd the booths.  Most farmers markets will have a limit to how many people can be at a booth.

-Use hand sanitizer often.

-Be patient.  Transactions might take a little longer this summer.