I was one of those that had no idea of the farmer’s market and did not care to re-search about it. Why for? I can get stuff almost anywhere and anytime. But then, last year, I started to visit them and became hard not NOT hate their concept. Oh, I did hate it before. I was – and still am sometimes – against paying more than I can afford, but who isn’t? And then, I decided to talk me into the positive more than the negative and here it is what it all came down for me:

1. Farmer’s markets are not in a so-convenient location. Okay, I hear you. I used to think the same. But guess what, I just realized Walmart isn’t either. I have to drive or take the bus to go to one. So, this excuse is finally crossed out of my list.

2. They are seasonal, perhaps once a month kind of thing. Yeah, that is not good I have to say, specially for those of us that like to buy veggies fresh. But guess what, Costco is not precisely for going every day either, you go and bulk up. The only way to bring the markets more often is supporting them, so instead of going to costco go and visit the market and bulk up, that will help increasing their presence in the area.

3. They don’t have everything I’m used to. Yeah, and good for that. Have you heard of carbon reduction?. There is a fact about the ecological benefit of buying locally made or harvest, less carbon print. Seasonal veggies and locally made items do not travel across the globe to reach our homes. And you know what that means, less pollution.

4. It is expensive. Yeah, some things are expensive, but it is the cost of being one of a kind or being custom made, reasonable. Also, they tend to be items that are not part of our daily needs. There is a lot of art, and hand-made crafts and food, but I find it funny that I have no problem spending from $20-$40 a week in specialty coffee (ahem! Starbucks). However, there are items that are the same cost. I just realized that the price of eggs, meat and other products are exactly the same as in Walmart, so why not buy them at the market if that helps to contribute. I understand there are items that are pricey because they are not made in China mass produced. I understand some households are tight in budget, but the market has items that are the same cost as any other store, so why not to support the farmers and get to know them?

5. They are boring. Whaaaaaaaaaat? why did I use to think that? I guess I used to relate them to old people, but the more I have been there I have found them very entertaining. And it is also about community building. I love the closeness, the get-to-know each other, the help, the camaraderie of people when having a good time, the music, the food. All of them enjoy their time at the market. It is not a job, it is a pleasure to be there. When at Walmart, well, you just want to get the heck out before the rest of the people arrive and crash the self-check out machines.

I am so sorry for those messages lost in this post. Stupid IntenseDebate plug in is uncapable of turning off blogger comment app if accessed mobile version (my blog). I find it annoying, so I’ll need to change some settings. #IntenseDebateFAIL

Just tell me if you wouldn’t buy eggs from these guys

Picture by NV Photography

Picture by NV Photography

People care answering questions

Picture by NV Photography

Community building, getting to know each other

Picture by NV Photography

Linking up with Bees With Honey and her series of “Let’s Bee Friends” as well with Nortwest Mommy, Stasha, and her monday series Monday Listicles