Farmers’ Markets

Earlier in the week, I posted about CSAs, a good way to get fruits and veggies during the summer if you don’t have your own garden or want to supplement what you’re growing. But, what if you’re not convinced you’ll be able to eat or use everything in your packet every week and don’t subscribe to a CSA? Well, how about a Farmers’ Market?

At a Farmers’ Market, you can buy as much or as little produce as you like. You can supplement or augment the bounty of your own garden. You can go every week, or once a month. In addition to produce, some Markets also have bread, meat, eggs, cheese, honey, and plants! Some Markets, like the Mill City Market, are all organic. Some, like the Midtown Market, are all local. Many now accept EBT (Food Stamps) providing access to fresh produce to lower income folks.

Many Farmers’ Markets are open weekend mornings with varying hours – most are from 6am to 1pm. But, some are choosing times that are accessible by non-early birds.

The Minneapolis Farmers Market is open downtown on Nicollet Mall Thursdays from 6 am to 6pm! They’re also on the Mall Saturdays from 8am to 3pm. I’m embarrassed to admit I had no idea the main Minneapolis Farmers Market at the North Lyndale Av location is open EVERY day from April to mid-November and not just weekend mornings.

The Midtown Farmer’s Market is open Tuesdays (3:30pm to 7:30pm) and Saturdays (8am to 1pm). And, the Village Farmer’s Market opened in my neighborhood this month on Mondays from 3 to 7pm.

So, if you thought you had to sign up for more veggies than you could eat in a week or get up at the crack of dawn on a weekend to get fresh produce, think again! Here’s a link to the Minnesota Farmers Market Association so you can find a Market in your neighborhood.