Whether you’re new to the farmers’ market scene or you’ve
been shopping locally for years, it’s always good to consider suggestions
that may help improve your shopping experience. Ready to step up your
game at the farmer’s market this weekend? Try these tips from
Catawba County Public Health’s Farmers’ Market Manager, Tracey Paul:
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Know your Seasons. Buying in season means you are picking the freshest, best tasting produce
obtainable. Not to mention it’s also cheaper and healthier for you.
The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has
provided a
guide for finding out what’s in season where you live.
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Shop early or shop late. Shopping early allows you the best pick of goods the popular ones usually
sell quickly. For the best deals shop late. Some market vendors may offer
a discounted price just before closing rather than repacking and taking
unsold produce back home.
Look before you buy. Many vendors may have the same or similar items, but the prices can vary
considerably. Ask if the items are locally or vendor grown if they are
not advertised as such. You will get the best choices available if you
look at everything first before buying.
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Bring your own bags. The bags provided by vendors tend to be thin
and flimsy, surely to break from the pressure of any major produce purchase.
Make sure your purchases make it from “farm-to- [your] table”
by bringing your own sturdy canvas or nylon bags.
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Ask questions. If you are not sure what something is or how to prepare it, just ask!
Most vendors are more than happy to give you suggestions or advice on
how to prepare or eat their produce. Some may have recipes available.
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Bring cash—bills and change. Some markets may not accept credit cards. Inquire whether food vouchers
or stamps are acceptable for payment. Farmers’ markets are more
than just an outlet for fresh produce and friendly farmers. They preserve
farmland, stimulate local economies, increase access to fresh nutritious
food, promote sustainability and like CVMC they work to improve the health
of the community.
In celebration of National Farmers’ Market Week August 2-8, we at
CVMC encourage you to support your local farmers and take advantage of
the healthy foods they offer by visiting your nearest farmers’ market.
If you need help getting started, here is a list of markets near you.
Don’t miss out on these markets by
following us on Facebook during National Farmers’ Market Week. We’ll be posting daily
reminders for the date/time of each market.
Catawba County Public Health’s Farmers’ Market
When: Thursdays from 11am – 2 pm
Where: Catawba County Public Health, Behind Catawba Valley Medical Center, 3070
11th Ave Dr SE, Hickory
Hickory Farmers Market
When: Wednesdays from 10am – 3pm and Saturdays from 8am – 1pm
Where: Downtown Hickory Under The Sails
Conover Farmers Market
When: Saturdays from 8am – 12pm
Where: Conover Post Office parking lot. 109 1st St. E. Conover, NC 28613
Center United Methodist Church Market
When: Wednesdays from 2pm – 5:30pm
Where: 4945 Sherrills Ford Rd. Catawba, NC 28609
Caldwell County Farmers Market
When: Saturdays from 7am – 1pm,
Where: Caldwell County Public Library parking lot.120 Hospital Ave. NE Lenoir, NC 28645
Sawmills Farmers Market
When: Tuesdays from 3pm – 6:30pm
Where: Across from the Sawnills Fire Department off of US Hwy 321A Sawmills, NC
The Claremont Tailgate Market
When: Fridays from 3pm – 7pm
Where: Claremont City Hall parking lot.
Lenoir Downtown Farmers Market
When: Wednesday-Friday, 10am – 6pm & Saturdays from 10am – 4pm
Where: 904 West Ave Lenoir, NC 28645
Hildebran Farmers Market
When: Tuesdays from 8am – 1pm
Where: Hildebran Town Hall Albert L. Parkhurst Municipal Complex. 202 South
Center Street Hildebran, NC 28637
Valdese Farmers Market
When: Wednesdays from 9am – 12pm & Fridays from 2pm – 6pm
Where: Across from the Fire Department Faet Street Valdese, NC 28690
Morganton Farmers Markets
The Saturday Morganton Farmers Market
When: Saturdays from 8am – 12pm
Where: 300 Beach, behind Maria’s Italian Eatery and More Lace at Morganton Station
The Wednesday Mini-Market
When: Wednesdays from 2pm – 6pm
Where: 111 North Green Street, at the corner of Green Street and Avery Avenue.