On Wednesdays and Saturdays, Downtown Davis hosts a farmers market in their Central Park, and it welcomes all Davis students and families. It is a great way to take advantage of being in a community that emphasizes choosing locally grown produce, and you have the chance to help out the local farmers as well. If you decide to take part in this great event, here are five tips to handle it like a pro!
1. Have Smaller Bills on Hand
First and foremost, it is important to make sure you are equipped with cash- make sure the bills are ones, fives, and tens. You can bring twenties along as well, but they tend to be inconvenient when you are making your purchases. It also makes it easier for the seller because there could be the possibility that they don’t have enough change for you. Smaller bills are the way to go!
2. Reusable Bags
After you have gathered your small bills, it is time to grab another item before you head out: reusable bags! Reusable bags are essential when tackling the market and help better your shopping experience in two ways. First, the reusable bags easily fold up and can fit in your backpack while biking there, and biking back. You can easily hang a bag on your handlebars so your food does not get crushed in your backpack. Secondly, if you do not bring your own bag, you may be taking the chance that you will have no bag at all for your food. Sellers sometimes will not have bags. Knowing you have your own will bring you peace of mind.
3. Come with a List
At the farmers market, you need to come prepared with a list for two reasons. First, it is easy to wander up and down the aisle and get lost among all the options. You start to feel like you are staring at the ingredients needed for the recipes you have pinned on Pinterest. With this overwhelming realization that Pinterest recipes are staring back at you, you have decided right then and there to become a chef. In reality, though, there is no way you have time to cook that much while balancing school, work, a social life, etc. More than just being overwhelmed by the ingredients, there is there is usually fresh popcorn and sweet treats, and the smell is to die for. You must stay strong and realize that you did not come to become a chef or sample too many sweet treats. It is easier to stay strong by having your list in hand to keep you on track.
4. Compare Prices and Quality
With the help of your list, you know exactly what to look for, but do not be tempted to buy an item you want at first sight. At the market, there are usually a few other sellers selling the same item, so that means you need to walk up and down the aisle before making a purchase. This is when you need to employ your investigative skills to compare prices and quality. First, see how the prices compare- some items sell for less if there is competition. Second, compare the produce, because one booth might have better quality than the other. You may run into the problem where the better quality produce is more expensive, and that means you have to make an executive decision. Do you want to spend more for better quality or just have okay produce for cheaper? It is up to you! Just remember to compare prices and quality when shopping at the market!
5. Split Cost among Friends
If at the market with your friends, you can use this to your advantage. Most sellers do choose to have deals with two for a certain price or even three for a certain price. With these deals, it makes the produce cheaper than just buying it on its own, so why not split the cost with your friends? Eventually, you will learn to just drag your friends along with you, because they will usually be tempted by the deals as well, and you benefit from them giving into temptation. If there is way to save money while in college then it should be taken advantage of!