Farmers Market – A Well Deserved Treat for Consumers

Teri Ann Renee Paisley, Gleaner Online Writer

As the end of the month approaches, the average consumer is faced with the often insurmountable challenge of trying to stretch their pay cheque to cover all their bills. After the bills are paid then of course there has to be an allotment for groceries and other expenses.

This is where I find it increasingly difficult to squeeze from the budget as although I must buy food often the type of food purchased is not always the most wholesome.

Due to recent health scare, I was put on a special diet that required more amounts of fruits and vegetables than I normally purchase. The need for the increase of these types of food forced me to find convenient and affordable options to going to the market.

Like most Jamaicans, I enjoy going to the market and haggling over prices but at times purchasing the right amount of fruits and vegetables is simply hard to negotiate during a busy weekend.

So what’s the solution?

Well why not bring the market to the consumer? That is the idea behind the offering of a Farmer’s Market on the fourth Friday of every month from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The RADA sponsored event is held on the parking lot at the Michi Supermarket located at 2-4 Savannah Road off Dunrobin.

The spread of the various fruits and vegetables.was tantalizing and I was attracted to a delicious display of sun ripened tomatoes. A very friendly vendor offered me a deal of $100 for a dozen which I couldn’t resist.
Now I am not saying that perhaps those who love going into the markets should stop doing so.
However, the farmers market is a viable alternative for the busy professional who wants to be healthy as well as save money.

The Michi supermarket made good use of the increased traffic by setting up a table in front of the supermarket with reduced items from its stock. Toddler ankle socks priced at $100 were popular among consumers as well as single colour washable kids paints for $30.00 with paintbrushes for an extra $30.00.

I can’t wait for the next farmers market! Will you be there?

Tags: consumer, Food, market, prices, save