Farmers markets

Re: Farmers markets

• lucylea member

  

  July 2011

  When we went to the downtown farmers market last year the prices were definitely higher than they were at the grocery store on watermelon, sweet corn, asparagus, and peppers.  That was all we compared since its what we went for so I can't speak for everything.  We actually left the market empty handed and stopped at Fareway on our way home to get what we needed.  

  

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• Victoria6F

  July 2011

  Generally, the FM's are more because there is no over head, and the people have to do everything on their own, SO they're darn proud of their foods.

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• eriness` member

  

  July 2011

  Yes, I find that the FM's are more expensive.  I try to get stuff from HyVee when they have it marked as local-little signs/stickers with local.  Or Dahl's has good local sweet corn.  Even the little stands at the gas stations are cheaper than FM's.  I go to the FM for local honey I can't find anywhere else, and the experience.
  

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• All-His

  July 2011

  Victoria6F:

  Generally, the FM's are more because there is no over head, and the people have to do everything on their own, SO they're darn proud of their foods.

  I'm sorry, my inner micro economics nerd just can't let this get by.  In theory, food from FM would be LESS expensive than grocery store food b/c of less overhead and the very fact that the sellers can do everything themselves.   However, like the production of most goods, economies of scale (or diminishing marginal costs, however you choose to look at it) make each additional unit comparibly less expensive than the unit before.  Since grocery store food usually comes from mass dealers, it is generally less expensive b/c the production costs are spread among more units. 

  I know you weren't looking for any of this mrs.reem - just the prices.  which, you are right, generally seem to be less in the grocery store (especially fareway for fresh produce, though they are really lacking for organic).  I buy from FM only for the experience and to support local farmers.

   

  

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• Mrs.Reem

  July 2011

  I think sometimes your mind, All His, and mine tend to work the same way.
  

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• kararae55

  July 2011

  All-His:

  Victoria6F:

  Generally, the FM's are more because there is no over head, and the people have to do everything on their own, SO they're darn proud of their foods.

  I'm sorry, my inner micro economics nerd just can't let this get by.  In theory, food from FM would be LESS expensive than grocery store food b/c of less overhead and the very fact that the sellers can do everything themselves.   However, like the production of most goods, economies of scale (or diminishing marginal costs, however you choose to look at it) make each additional unit comparibly less expensive than the unit before.  Since grocery store food usually comes from mass dealers, it is generally less expensive b/c the production costs are spread among more units. 

  I know you weren't looking for any of this mrs.reem - just the prices.  which, you are right, generally seem to be less in the grocery store (especially fareway for fresh produce, though they are really lacking for organic).  I buy from FM only for the experience and to support local farmers.

   

   Thank you for clarifying that.  It was bothering me too!

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• Jennrs

  July 2011

  I actually save a lot of money by shopping at the Downtown Farmer's Market. I got a whole load of veggies for less than $20 last week and that's fed us all week!

  
  Neena Mae. 1/7/10
  "A baby nursing at a mother's breast is an undeniable affirmation of our rootedness in nature." - David Suzuki
  
  

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• Mrs.Reem

  July 2011

  Jennrs:

  I actually save a lot of money by shopping at the Downtown Farmer's Market. I got a whole load of veggies for less than $20 last week and that's fed us all week!

  That's awesome! How?

  I picked up broccoli, beans, and peaches totalling $20 last time.  lol! 
  

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• December29_Brid member

  July 2011

  When we go downtown to the FM, we usually only bring $20 and end up coming home with a bunch of stuff. Now that my garden is overflowing though, I don't need as much. I like to get green beans, jalapenos, poblanos, baby red potatoes, lettuce (there is one place that rocks), rhubarb when in season, eggplant and usually use $1 to buy Ella a drink. I just walk everything once comparing and hit up the ones I need on our way back out :-) Oh, and if I don't need much for produce I always end up with bread! Some of it can be quite pricey, but supporting the little man helps as long as it isn't outrageously over what the grocery store is. I like the Ankeny FM too! We get there early to get organic eggs for $3 dozen.

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