Farmers Markets Growing More Green Thumbs!
It’s clear that folks love shopping this way, enjoying everything from local music to local crafts at the same time they get their local foods.
And it’s great for farmers, too. They can cut the price-hiking midddleman, expose their farm brand to hundreds of locals each week, and break down the social barrier between growers and consumers.
What’s even better is that 
Among other things this means:
- Far less packaging.
- A much shorter distance that food travels, equaling both a smaller carbon footprint and food that’s retained more nutrients.
- Often lower prices and more choices.
- An opportunity to really learn about what grows in your region and how to cook it.
- A chance for entrepreneurs to enter the local food manufacturing market with salsas, sauces, soups, jams, pickled and fermented foods and baked goods. (Maybe even wine and beer!)
- More of your money spent stays in your local economy.
In 1994 in the US there were 1, 755 farmers markets. Last year that number had swelled to 6, 132 according to the USDA’s website, which represented a 16% jump in markets over 2009. And the trend just continues.
This is the future and it can fit in your basket.
- Sacramentans are lucky to have several choices when buying fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables from Northern California farmers. A few are open all year long, while others are seasonal, mostly opening in May and running through October. Some are morning markets, while others are afternoon ones.Farmers offer a variety of fruit and vegetables, but shoppers can also buy fresh tulips, irises and other flowers, organic cheeses, artisan breads and pastries, raw and seasoned nuts, cut and planted herbs, and other specialty food.
SUNDAY MARKETS
Sacramento Central
If you can manage to wake up early on a Sunday morning, make your way to the Sacramento Central farmers market where you’ll find many Asian produce. Shoppers will find great prices at this Midtown market, which is among the larger markets in the area.Guide Tip: Get here early. Since this is a popular market, on a few of my visits, some vendors ran out of food.- Location: 8th and W streets, underneath Highway 80
- Hours: 8 a.m. to noon, open all year
TUESDAY MARKETS
Roosevelt Park
Roosevelt Park is among two farmer’s markets along P Street. Along the perimeter of the park, shoppers can buy vegetables, fruits, nuts, meats, herbs, flowers, baked goods and cheeses.- Location: 9th and P streets
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from May through October
Fremont Park
Just down the street from Roosevelt Park is Fremont Park. Vendors are spread along the perimeter of the park.Guide Tip: Finding a parking space can be a challenge at both of these parks. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a metered spot. Remember to keep track of the time to avoid getting a ticket.- Location: 16th and P streets
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from May through October
WEDNESDAY MARKETS
Casear Chavez
Caesar Chavez Memorial Plaza is abuzz with shoppers from area office buildings at this downtown market.- Location: 10th and J streets, in front of City Hall
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from May through October
THURSDAY MARKETS
Downtown Plaza
Tucked away in the walkway between Macy’s and the Holiday Inn is the Downtown Plaza farmer’s market where you can buy fruit, vegetables, bread, olive oil, flowers and nuts.Guide Tip: Parking can be tough in this area. Your best bet is to park in the Downtown Plaza West Garage on L Street, which is right next to the market.
- Location: 4th and K streets
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., from May thru October
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. all year long
- http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/list.jsp this is a list of farmers markets