I love our local Farmer's Market. There are actually a dozen Certified Farmers Markets in and around Sacramento, but the one closest to my house is my favorite. There, the parking is plentiful, vendors are generous, and prices are cheap.
On Thursday mornings, I head out to the Sears parkinglot armed with reusable shopping bags, snacks, small bills, and my trusty stroller (four children in tow). I return with more than enough produce to last us a week, sometimes two. We get to walk out in the sunshine, taste free samples, and listen to a man croon to his guitar. We also pay with real money, not an ATM card, so my children are learning the value of food, as well as how to count change.
This week, I spent $26. I was able to buy eggs, broccolli, asparagus, apples, oranges, strawberries, potatoes, snap peas, cucumbers, and a muskmellon plant for our garden. With a few grains, meat, and dairy added, it will be enough to feed a family of 6 for a week, with a bit leftover -- I plan to can some applesauce and freeze some soup. That's a phenomenal value, especially here in California where the cost of living is higher than the national average. Not to mention, we're supporting small farms, saving carbon emmissions, and contributing to the local economy. Not a bad deal, considering I just bought some of the freshest food in town!
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