Farmers markets are a staple for many communities. They bring people together, connect consumers to the suppliers of their food, and build local relationships. Raleigh has a strong network of farmers markets inside the beltline and in the surrounding areas—and even if you’ve never thought of yourself as a “farmers market type of person,” you’ll benefit immensely by giving one a try. Let’s take a look at what those benefits are and where to find a farmers market near you.
Combat inflation; head to the farmers market
The cost of groceries has increased 11% since July 2021. To put that in perspective, an average household of four with a moderate budget would spend $1128.20 per month on groceries in 2021. That budget is now $1252.30 for the exact same products, an increase of nearly $1500.00 over the course of the year.
How can you reduce the effects of grocery inflation on your life? Shopping at the farmers market is one way. While they used to have a reputation for outstripping grocery store prices, nowadays the opposite is true for most fresh products. In-season, local food tends to be cheaper at the farmers market, and even when prices are close to equal, the farmers market offers a plethora of other advantages.
Support your neighbors, community, and the environment
Besides benefiting your wallet, spending your grocery budget at the farmers market rather than the supermarket benefits your local community and environment. Farmers market vendors are typically local farmers, gardeners, and craftspeople. By contrast, supermarket shelves are stocked with products from factory farms and shipped over long distances. Even at companies like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, the money you spend there adds to the bottom line of a large company, whereas money spent at a farmers market benefits people in your community directly.
Additionally, locally grown produce and locally sourced products don’t have to be shipped up the coast or across the country, which reduces their impact on the environment—making your carbon footprint smaller.
Reap the health benefits of fresher food
Locally-grown food is also healthier for your body. The reason is that “nutrients in fruits and vegetables oxidize over time and lose value as days go by,” according to dietician Reyna Franco. Farmers market produce usually goes from the farm to the market in 24 hours, while produce shipped from out-of-state takes much longer, losing nutrients along the way.
Additionally, foods that aren’t locally sourced usually “have additives to keep them fresh,” like waxes and preservatives that you won’t find at your local farmers market.
What do farmers markets have to do with real estate?
When it comes to real estate, farmers markets are seen as an amenity, and access to them can have a positive impact on home values. This is especially true in areas with limited access to grocery stores, such as food deserts or neighborhoods that are exclusively residential.
Supporting your local farmers market also helps build a stronger community, which in turn improves the quality of life and the desirability of an area.
Raleigh farmers markets by neighborhood
Never been to a farmers market in Raleigh? Here’s a list of when and where to find them.
NC State Farmers Market in Southwest Raleigh
Year Round: Monday - Saturday, 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Sunday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Where: 1201 Agriculture St, Raleigh, NC
Midtown Farmers Market in North Hills
Traditional Market: Saturdays from April 16 to November 5th, 8:00 AM to noon
Winter Market: Saturdays, November through March, 10:00 AM to noon
Where: The Commons of North Hills at 4160 Main St, Raleigh, NC
Apex Farmers Market in Apex
Traditional Market: Saturdays, April through December, 9:00 AM to noon
Winter Market: Biweekly Saturdays, December through March
Where: Apex Town Campus at 73 Hunter St, Apex, NC
Holly Springs Farmers Market in Holly Springs
Traditional Market: Saturdays, 8:00 AM to noon
Winter Market: Almost every Saturday, 9:00 AM to noon (see calendar for details)
Where: 300 West Ballentine St, Holly Springs, NC
Cary Downtown Farmers Market in Cary
Traditional Market: Saturdays, April through October, 8:00 AM to noon
Winter Market: Saturdays, November through March, 9:00 Am to noon
Where: 135 W. Chatham St, Cary, NC
Wake Forest Farmers Market in Wake Forest
Traditional Market: Saturdays, April through October, 8:00 AM to noon
Winter Market: Saturdays, November through March, 10:00 AM to noon
Where: 235 S Taylor St, Wake Forest, NC
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