Farmers markets
versus Supermarkets
Don’t forget about..
FRESHNESS
Supermarket produce is
not as fresh as farmers
market produce. Most
produce sold at farmers
markets is picked within
hours of being sold2.
CHEMICALS
Produce sold at
supermarkets may be
grown with pesticides or
treated with chemicals to
give the appearance of
freshness2.
THE ECONOMY
For every $1 spent locally,
50-60 cents stays in the
community. On the other
hand, for every $1 spent
at a chain store, only
10-20 cents stays in the
community3.
Where is the better buy?
WHERE CAN I GET THE BEST BANG FOR MY BUCK?
With the local food movement rapidly growing nationwide, especially in
Western North Carolina, many wonder if purchasing locally from farmers
market and roadside stands is a feasible option for all those of different
ages, income brackets, and time commitments. Many want to support
their local economy and farmer, know more about where their food
comes from, and pay more attention to their health, but don’t believe
they have the means to do so.
Recent studies in the southeastern United States and Appalachia indicate
that farmers markets’ prices are highly competitive with mainstream
supermarkets. On average:
• In 74% of communities, produce is cheaper at farmers markets
• Produce is cheaper by 22% at farmers markets
• Organic produce cheaper by 16% farmers markets1
Sources:
1) http://www.ruralscale.com/resources/downloads/farmers-market-study.pdf
2) http://madisonfarmersmarket.info/2013/06/farmers-market-vs-supermarket-whats-the-better-buy/
3) http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/healthdepartment/mcfvc/documents/snap_ebt_accessnc.pdf
Visit mountainwise.org
for more information.
Made possible with funding from the
North Carolina Community Transformation
Grant Project and the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
A ST O RY WO R T H S HA R I N G . P EO P L E W O R T H P R E S E R V I N G . W W W.M O U NTA I N W I S E . O R G