Shopping at the farmers market is an adventure of the best kind. You meet new people, find fun foods to taste/try, find interesting crafts to admire and buy. And we hope plenty of sunshine.
I’ve been exploring Montana farmers markets. There are big ones (like Missoula and Helena) and tiny ones (only one vendor showed up at Wibaux market). Some struggle to be called a “farmers” market, having mostly crafts to offer, while others enforce rules that allow only food items to be sold (such as Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market in Billings, with most of the food grown within 120 miles of the market).
At all of the markets are growers and food producers and artists who are proud of what they do.
Each market has a manager who keeps things running smoothly. The rules they put in place are meant to maintain safety and happiness for everyone. If you have any questions about the market you’re visiting, look for the manager, who often has a central headquarters booth.
Jessica Harvey-Lilley is the assistant manager at the Livingston Farmers Market. She emphasized the posted market rule that says no dogs allowed. Farmers markets get crowded, with people looking at the items for sale. Having pets underfoot can create an uncomfortable if not dangerous situation. Please leave your dog at home and not in your car.
Be a thoughtful market visitor and pick up anything you may drop on the ground. Livingston, like many markets, has a place to deposit trash. If you don’t see it, ask.
Parking varies at markets, but remember that vendors have priority parking near their booths. Keep in mind general access to the market area and don’t block off places where people enter or exit.
Vendors do their best to provide bags, but sometimes they run out or forget them in the rush to get to market. They appreciate when customers bring their own. At the market headquarters booth, you can buy a shopping bag imprinted with the market logo. Since the money goes to support the market, everyone wins. Colorful, reusable Livingston Farmers Market bags are only $2.
I’ve learned that it’s a good idea to take several bags with you; one for general items, another for delicate purchases (after your much-anticipated jelly doughnut gets smashed by a pound of carrots, you’ll remember this tip), and perhaps a plastic one for wet items like flowers. A few small Ziploc bags can come in handy, too.
On hot days, a cooler in the car will help preserve and protect things like meat, fruit, and cupcakes you don’t want that frosting to melt, do you? For hot take-away items, extra containers will be useful.
While electronic payment is available at most markets, many vendors still prefer cash so they can avoid credit card fees. If you use cash, bring small bills so you can give an exact amount to vendors.
Check at the headquarters booth for other payment options, such as tokens, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) availability, and senior discounts.
And finally, a shopping strategy that I find helpful.
At a small market, you can scan the area to get a sense of what’s available. However, bigger places, like the Livingston Farmers Market, are more daunting. There’s so much to choose from!
So I begin by strolling through the market to look at everything. Sometimes I stop to ask questions, but mostly I’m taking inventory. Several vendors are selling potatoes; which kind do I want today? I hadn’t expected to get any tea, but wow, this gal has some interesting blends. Will my budget allow for that lovely wooden salad bowl?
You can wander around many times, of course, but when you’re ready to buy, you’ll be more efficient and less likely to run out of money before you have everything you want.
When you make a purchase, chat with the vendor. Several told me they love to talk to customers, and they’re happy to answer questions about what they sell.
So get out to your local market and support the local economy and your health!
But here’s the best tip of all: Have fun!