Farmers markets have become popular over the last several years. They are a great way to get some fresh air and integrate yourself in your community. If you have considered going but feel a little nervous, read-on for some tips. If you are a seasoned shopper, click here for our local farmers market guide to help you branch out to a new farmers market. There is something for everyone in the Detroit farmers market scene. Bring the whole family and the shopping trip becomes an adventure.
Going to the farmers market is the highlight of my week. I came from a smaller city which had only one downtown market on Saturdays and one smaller market in a grocery store parking lot another day during the week. Here, we have it made. The Detroit metro area boasts several farmer’s markets each day of the week during the growing season (roughly May-October), giving you and your family plenty of options. Here are a few tips based on my experience:
1.Talk it Over
The best way to ensure an enjoyable trip is to plan ahead. Make sure you prep your older kids before the event. Some vendors will have samples available. It goes without saying, but toddlers and young kids should know to ask you for permission before taking food. This is not only because it is polite, but also for food safety reasons. Samples may have serving utensils, toothpicks or disposable containers.
On a slow day, a produce stall is a great place to practice colors, counting, and shapes for young kids. Older children can be given tasks. Which stall has the best price for lettuce? What country’s flag is the same color as Caprese Salad (tomato, fresh mozzarella, basil)? How much change will the vendor give us? Talk about what you might expect to be in season. These days you can find avocados at Eastern Market in May. Where do they come from? Which veggies are Michigan grown?
2. Eat Before, During and After
When you make an event out of going to the market, you will want to make sure everyone is well fed, but you may also want to try a bite to eat while you are shopping. Depending on the location, you may find donuts, french pastries, or hot meals of a variety of ethnic origins. You may even be inspired to visit the farm where your eggs were laid.
3.Take a Break
This is an easy spot to use all of your senses. Any given day, you may find glistening jewel-toned tomatoes, fresh, hot coffee, bumpy ridged cucumbers and salty samples of sausage, cheese, or salsa. If the crowd is feeling tight and your child is overwhelmed by the crowd, take a break and head out behind the vendors. While you stand outside of the crowd, ask a spouse or older child to run in and return with items, there is no reason to be left out.
4. Wrangling Logistics
You’ll want to consider your transportation options based on the number and age of kids you have as well as the type of items you intend to buy. Bring your baby in a wrap or carrier if you are going to a weekend market (they tend to be busier). Or, bring your child in a stroller to a smaller market. You can use the under-seat basket to carry your bounty home, or if you are shopping with a partner, and go overboard, one of you can hold the child (or have them walk) while you push a full haul home. Of course, it is harder to maneuver around crowds with a bulky stroller, so you may not be able to escape a shopper traffic jam in the aisles quite as well as with a carrier. If you are planning on buying large produce such as watermelon or squash, or some potted plants for your yard, you may want to bring a wagon.
Vendors will have plastic bags to carry home your purchase, but a little forethought will help the environment, and decrease your clutter. Sturdy reusable bags are much easier to carry, but make sure you bring a few. If you buy soft fruits, berries, or tomatoes, they will need to be put in a separate bag to prevent bruising and spoilage.
5.Finally, Bring Cash!
There may be an ATM near the market, but you will save yourself a lot of trouble by coming prepared. If you can bring small bills, your farmer will thank you.
Check out this website to search for Michigan Farmers Markets by County, City, or Day. You can also narrow your search by type of food assistance benefits accepted.
Michigan Farmers Market Association: http://mifma.org/find-a-farmers-market/
