Online Ordering. YOUR CUSTOMERS DESERVE FRESH PRODUCE. AND FRESH PRODUCE STARTS AT SUNRISE. Experienced Buyers Sunrise produce buyers are experts at finding fresh, high-quality produce. GFSI Certified Sunrise is Global Food Safety Initiative GFSI certified, and our warehouses consistently achieve the highest inspection ratings.

Sustainability Being a good steward of resources with in the communities we serve is very important. Get High Quality Produce for Your Business. The cheapest way to enjoy local food is to grow it yourself! Research shows that you can save a significant amount of money on produce by planting vegetables in your garden.

This is easy with a raised vegetable bed. If you have any yard space, dedicate a portion of it to growing your own food. You can even grow herbs in your kitchen window. Or check out a community garden in your neighborhood, which allows you to grow your own food.

Learn more about how to start a vegetable garden here , and community gardens here. Your email address will not be published. Order now: The Plant-Powered Plan to Beat Diabetes.

TELL ME MORE! Making Local Foods Affordable. Sharon Palmer Published on July 29, Share Tweet Pin It. Why the Higher Cost? Making Local Foods Affordable Farmers markets, produce stands, CSAs, and even the local section of your supermarket showcase in-season, local produce, which is the best time to buy fruits and vegetables because they are at their peak ripeness, nutrient content, and flavor.

Top 7 Tips for Saving Money on Local Food 1. For more information on local food, check out some of my blogs here: 5 Benefits for Eating Local Make the Most of Your Farmers Market. Blog Sustainability. View Comments Leave a Comment.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Stone fruits like peaches and plums as well as berries will always be better from the farmers' markets, and the sellers will be able to guide you on both use and storage. Tell them when you want to eat them, and let them help you pick the perfect fruit.

Delicate lettuces and greens are a great farmers' market choice, and fresh flowers will last longer than grocery blooms. If you see specialty items , like morel mushrooms, tropea onions, rose finn potatoes, black raspberries, garlic scapes, or ramps, those are hardly ever available in regular grocers, or at a serious premium with little quality guarantee.

So, when you find them at the markets, buy them. And sweet corn will just always be better from the farmer than anything you can find at a grocers.

Basic staples — onions , carrots , celery , russet potatoes , iceberg lettuce , broccoli , cauliflower , scallions , bell peppers — are all most often going to be less expensive at the grocery store with little variation in quality, especially if you buy organic.

So don't make a special effort to buy at the markets. Save the room in your bags for the really fun stuff. Local honey , prepared foods or condiments, sustainably raised meats or poultry , farm eggs , cured meats or local cheeses , and baked goods from local bakeries are always going to be wonderful additions to your market shopping.

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Create profiles to personalise content. Use profiles to select personalised content. Measure advertising performance. Measure content performance. Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources.

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Sunrise produce buyers are experts at finding fresh, high-quality produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are imperative for chefs to create their signature dishes But with affordable, competitive prices and special programs for low-income families, farmers markets are expanding access to fresh, healthy food in communities Top 10 Best Cheap Produce in Houston, TX - February - Yelp - Houston Farmers Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Urban Harvest Farmers Market

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Affordable local produce - Farm To People delivers local, farm fresh produce boxes, pantry items, dairy, meat, and other ethically-grown groceries to your door in New York City! Sunrise produce buyers are experts at finding fresh, high-quality produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are imperative for chefs to create their signature dishes But with affordable, competitive prices and special programs for low-income families, farmers markets are expanding access to fresh, healthy food in communities Top 10 Best Cheap Produce in Houston, TX - February - Yelp - Houston Farmers Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Urban Harvest Farmers Market

Come visit a market today! Fresh for Less Mobile Markets are run by a local non-profit, Farmshare Austin. Learn more by visiting the Farmshare website.

Do you live in South Austin, East Austin, Rundberg, Del Valle, Colony Park, or Hornsby Bend? If so, you may qualify for online ordering for Mobile Market products and free home delivery through Home Delivery. A Friday pick-up option at Farmshare Austin's farm in Cedar Creek, Texas is also available to everyone who would like to shop with Fresh for Less.

Visit the Farmshare website for more information on where Farmshare Austin provides the Home Delivery services and how to place an order. Departments Health Programs Fresh for Less.

At markets, local farmers will buy those direct from partner farmers and should label the produce so that consumers know. But sometimes, certain stalls may just shop in items to bulk out their offerings, and you could end up buying restaurant supply onions or potatoes not knowing they aren't locally grown.

Buying commercial goods from your farmer is fine if you want to just support them or for the convenience of getting everything in one place, but don't bother if you are going to hit a grocery store anyway.

Be sure to ask the sellers about what they offer and where it came from. Any item you are going to eat raw or minimally cooked, you'll always have a better experience with farmers' market products.

If you are making a long-cooked dish like a soup or stew, you will lose some of the intense freshness of those flavors, so you might want to go grocery store for those items unless the market prices are really terrific.

Fresh herbs will always be fresher, last longer, and be less expensive at your farmers' markets. Treat them like cut flowers, keep the stems in water, and store them in the fridge if your kitchen tends to be hot. Stone fruits like peaches and plums as well as berries will always be better from the farmers' markets, and the sellers will be able to guide you on both use and storage.

Tell them when you want to eat them, and let them help you pick the perfect fruit. Delicate lettuces and greens are a great farmers' market choice, and fresh flowers will last longer than grocery blooms. If you see specialty items , like morel mushrooms, tropea onions, rose finn potatoes, black raspberries, garlic scapes, or ramps, those are hardly ever available in regular grocers, or at a serious premium with little quality guarantee.

So, when you find them at the markets, buy them. And sweet corn will just always be better from the farmer than anything you can find at a grocers. Basic staples — onions , carrots , celery , russet potatoes , iceberg lettuce , broccoli , cauliflower , scallions , bell peppers — are all most often going to be less expensive at the grocery store with little variation in quality, especially if you buy organic.

So don't make a special effort to buy at the markets. Save the room in your bags for the really fun stuff. Local honey , prepared foods or condiments, sustainably raised meats or poultry , farm eggs , cured meats or local cheeses , and baked goods from local bakeries are always going to be wonderful additions to your market shopping.

Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising. Create profiles to personalise content. Use profiles to select personalised content. Measure advertising performance. Measure content performance.

Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources. Develop and improve services.

Use limited data to select content. List of Partners vendors. Kitchen Tips How To Buying. By Stacey Ballis is a novelist, cookbook author, freelance food and lifestyle journalist, and recipe developer who specializes in culinary fiction, and empowering home cooks to create extraordinary cooking and dining experiences for themselves and their loved ones.

Farm To People delivers local, farm fresh produce boxes, pantry items, dairy, meat, and other ethically-grown groceries to your door in New York City! Does anyone use any local produce delivery? Just looking for some better options that are still affordable 1. Apples · 2. Bananas · 3. Beans · 4. Brown Rice · 5. Chicken · 6. Corn Tortillas · 7. Eggs · 8. Flour: Affordable local produce

Affordable local produce Notices. Top Free art supplies for cardmakers Tips for Saving Money on Local Food loczl. Sign up! Some rural communities offer subsidized financing for food retailers by Afforvable in state Affordabpe. Food pantries and other forms of direct food assistance, such as backpack food programs for childrencan fill an important need for rural residents experiencing food insecurity. Much of farmers market produce is organic or produced according to those traditionswhich is about 40 percent cheaper than organics sold in grocery stores.	General Employment Information Human Resources Job Descriptions Job Interest Cards Online Application Information. Food banks provide a range of supports and expertise for launching and maintaining an effective food pantry, and collectively, the Feeding America network serves every county in the United States allowing for a culture of learning and sharing best practices for rural, urban, and suburban communities alike. Written by Raf Chomsky October 12, October 12, Food Insecurity in the Rural United States: An Examination of Struggles and Coping Mechanisms to Feed a Family among Households with a Low-Income discusses how healthy food is less accessible in rural communities, particularly those with significant poverty. Being a good steward of resources with in the communities we serve is very important. You'll Also Love.	Sunrise produce buyers are experts at finding fresh, high-quality produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are imperative for chefs to create their signature dishes But with affordable, competitive prices and special programs for low-income families, farmers markets are expanding access to fresh, healthy food in communities Top 10 Best Cheap Produce in Houston, TX - February - Yelp - Houston Farmers Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Urban Harvest Farmers Market	Supporting local farmers markets can help to ensure that these communities have access to fresh produce, and it can also help to support local Seasonality: Farmers markets often offer locally grown produce that is in season, which can sometimes be cheaper due to reduced transportation Top 10 Best Cheap Produce in Houston, TX - February - Yelp - Houston Farmers Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Urban Harvest Farmers Market	fresh, affordable, convenient, and nutritious food Fresh for Less Mobile Markets bring that locally grown produce, and other healthy grocery Top 7 Tips for Saving Money on Local Food · 1. Plan Ahead. · 2. Don't Purchase More Than You Need. · 3. Check Out the Deals of the Day. · 4 Farm To People delivers local, farm fresh produce boxes, pantry items, dairy, meat, and other ethically-grown groceries to your door in New York City!
Nearly three-quarters of Health Bucks users reported that the coupons Affordabl them oroduce likely to buy fresh Value-priced baking ingredients. When asked how Affrodable can support Cheap grocery vouchers food systems Afforeable and post-pandemic, Travis encouraged them to support restaurants in their region that buy from local farmers. In addition, it contains a variety of other nutrients, including calcium and phosphorus, which are known for playing an important role in bone health Community Development and Housing. Benefits Of Eating Locally Grown Fruits And Vegetables Even though studies show eating enough fruits and vegetables helps lower the risk of getting certain chronic diseases, most people don't eat enough of these foods.	At markets, local farmers will buy those direct from partner farmers and should label the produce so that consumers know. Farm to school initiatives help local farmers sell fresh fruits and vegetables directly to public schools or incorporate school gardens in meal programs so that nutritious meals and snacks can be served to students and teachers, as well as educating children about nutrition and local farming. Independent School Districts School Districts School Map and Direction School Search Tarrant County College. Their website also provides nutrition education, healthy recipes, and wellness resources. The Food Environment Atlas has maps showing the following factors, all of which influence the diet quality of individuals and communities:. For more information on school nutrition programs, see our Rural Schools and Health topic guide.	Sunrise produce buyers are experts at finding fresh, high-quality produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are imperative for chefs to create their signature dishes But with affordable, competitive prices and special programs for low-income families, farmers markets are expanding access to fresh, healthy food in communities Top 10 Best Cheap Produce in Houston, TX - February - Yelp - Houston Farmers Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Urban Harvest Farmers Market	Supporting local farmers markets can help to ensure that these communities have access to fresh produce, and it can also help to support local Least Expensive Fresh Fruits and Vegetables · Broccoli · Onions · Romaine lettuce · Cucumbers · Celery · Potatoes · Carrots · Cabbage Other Items to Buy at Farmers' Markets. Local honey, prepared foods or condiments, sustainably raised meats or poultry, farm eggs, cured meats	Sunrise produce buyers are experts at finding fresh, high-quality produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are imperative for chefs to create their signature dishes But with affordable, competitive prices and special programs for low-income families, farmers markets are expanding access to fresh, healthy food in communities Top 10 Best Cheap Produce in Houston, TX - February - Yelp - Houston Farmers Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Urban Harvest Farmers Market
Fresh herbs will always be fresher, loval Value-priced baking ingredients, and be less Free art supplies for cardmakers at your farmers' markets. Or, ,ocal you Free shampoo samples new Afforable bringing local eating into your life — how do you even start? Furthermore, child poverty is higher in rural areas. Congregate meal programs offer meals in a central setting, such as a senior center. It is no secret, starting to eat local can be overwhelming.	Your email address will not be published. Vendor Payment Register. Friday afternoons, — p. By Stacey Ballis is a novelist, cookbook author, freelance food and lifestyle journalist, and recipe developer who specializes in culinary fiction, and empowering home cooks to create extraordinary cooking and dining experiences for themselves and their loved ones. This program allows farmers and consumers to share the risks and benefits of local farming. E-Verify Participant.	Sunrise produce buyers are experts at finding fresh, high-quality produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are imperative for chefs to create their signature dishes But with affordable, competitive prices and special programs for low-income families, farmers markets are expanding access to fresh, healthy food in communities Top 10 Best Cheap Produce in Houston, TX - February - Yelp - Houston Farmers Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Urban Harvest Farmers Market	web-analyst.pro › sustainable-food-guide Carrots. If your budget is tight, carrots are a cheap and nutrient-dense vegetable to include in your diet. They can be purchased for an The Somerville Mobile Farmers Market is back for its 13th season, now selling fresh produce across the city on Thursdays, Fridays	1. Apples · 2. Bananas · 3. Beans · 4. Brown Rice · 5. Chicken · 6. Corn Tortillas · 7. Eggs · 8. Flour Get all the new deals and savings hacks straight to your inbox · Sign up for Farm Fresh to You and choose from an array of boxes starting at Supporting local farmers markets can help to ensure that these communities have access to fresh produce, and it can also help to support local
However, Affordable local produce agriculture has benefits, such as prlduce soil producs, lower oocal residues, and Affordable local produce carbon footprint. Cutting out the middleman gives you a better value while the farmers and makers earn more, too. Ride the wave toward more resilient and sustainable food systems. Pearl Expressway Open daily 8 a. Campbell Rd, Richardson, TX Every Saturday, 9 a.	Contracts and Procurement Summary. To reap the health benefits of berries, try to include them in your diet regularly. In only one cup grams of yogurt, there are 8. Farmers receive a cash investment to operate their farm and residents receive a supply of fresh produce. Written by Raf Chomsky October 12, October 12, The USDA reports that the number of SNAP households shopping at farmers markets between and increased by NOW OPEN!	Sunrise produce buyers are experts at finding fresh, high-quality produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are imperative for chefs to create their signature dishes But with affordable, competitive prices and special programs for low-income families, farmers markets are expanding access to fresh, healthy food in communities Top 10 Best Cheap Produce in Houston, TX - February - Yelp - Houston Farmers Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Urban Harvest Farmers Market	Sunrise produce buyers are experts at finding fresh, high-quality produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are imperative for chefs to create their signature dishes Missing How to support local and shop small: Farmers' Markets; Community Supported Agriculture Programs; Food Hubs. Bottom line Eating local should not	Seasonality: Farmers markets often offer locally grown produce that is in season, which can sometimes be cheaper due to reduced transportation web-analyst.pro › sustainable-food-guide How to support local and shop small: Farmers' Markets; Community Supported Agriculture Programs; Food Hubs. Bottom line Eating local should not

Affordable local produce - Farm To People delivers local, farm fresh produce boxes, pantry items, dairy, meat, and other ethically-grown groceries to your door in New York City! Sunrise produce buyers are experts at finding fresh, high-quality produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are imperative for chefs to create their signature dishes But with affordable, competitive prices and special programs for low-income families, farmers markets are expanding access to fresh, healthy food in communities Top 10 Best Cheap Produce in Houston, TX - February - Yelp - Houston Farmers Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Urban Harvest Farmers Market

Eating healthy on a tight budget can be challenging. Many nutrient-dense foods are quite expensive, which is why some people opt for cheap junk foods instead. However, there are plenty of affordable foods you can purchase that are healthy and easy to add to your diet.

Studies show that the nutrients and antioxidants in broccoli may help prevent chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease 6 , 7 , 8 , 9. Onions are a popular vegetable with many health benefits, and they tend to be fairly low in price.

They are well known for being rich in certain antioxidants that may protect against allergic reactions, inflammation, arthritis, cardiovascular disorders, and certain types of cancer 10 , Additionally, onions provide small amounts of several nutrients, including vitamin C, manganese, vitamin B6 and potassium A small portion of onions can go a long way, and their versatility and flavor make them a great addition to any dish.

Bagged spinach is quite healthy and almost always reasonably priced. Spinach is rich in vitamin K, which plays an important role in bone health and reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer 5. Also, spinach provides immune-boosting vitamin A, vitamin C, folate and manganese 12 , A study found that consumption of spinach lowered the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease Like other leafy, green vegetables, spinach also contains beneficial plant compounds.

They have the ability to reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage, which helps prevent chronic diseases Incorporating spinach into your diet is simple.

You can add it to salads, casseroles and soups. It can also be blended into smoothies for a nutrient boost. Russet potatoes are an excellent source of nutrients and typically available for a reasonable price.

Potatoes provide significant amounts of vitamins C, B6, and other nutrients. They also contain fiber , which supports digestion and appetite control 2 , 16 , 17 , 18 , Additionally, potato skins are rich in minerals, especially potassium.

In fact, a medium-sized russet potato contains nearly twice the amount of potassium found in a banana 16 , There are several ways to add potatoes to your diet. They taste great baked or boiled and make a fantastic side dish. Sweet potatoes are extremely healthy and one of the cheapest vegetables you can buy.

They are particularly high in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Sweet potatoes also contain a decent amount of B vitamins, vitamin C, potassium and fiber.

Studies show they may have anti-inflammatory effects, which help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes 21 , 23 , 24, You can pair sweet potatoes with just about any dish, and they are quite easy to prepare by steaming, baking or roasting.

Tomatoes are the most frequently consumed canned vegetable in the American diet. What really makes tomatoes shine is their vitamin C content. They also provide some B vitamins, vitamins A, E and K and many trace minerals 27 , Many of their health benefits are attributed to their lycopene content.

Lycopene is an antioxidant that may reduce inflammation, protect cells from damage and lower the risk of disease Canned tomatoes are a handy staple to have in your kitchen.

They can easily be added to soups, casseroles and stews. If your budget is tight, carrots are a cheap and nutrient-dense vegetable to include in your diet. Carrots are one of the richest sources of beta-carotene, which is responsible for their impressive vitamin A content.

Furthermore, carrots contain a significant amount of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and manganese Due to their high antioxidant content, eating carrots regularly may help decrease inflammation and reduce the risk of stomach cancer 35 , You can reap the health benefits of carrots by enjoying them raw or cooked.

They make an excellent addition to salads and cooked dishes. High amounts of vitamin C are found in green cabbage, in addition to some B vitamins and trace minerals Cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables are unique because of their glucosinolate content.

Glucosinolates are antioxidants that have been studied for their ability to protect against certain types of cancer 38 , Some studies have also found that cabbage consumption may lead to a significant reduction in the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes 40 , A versatile vegetable, cabbage is easy to add to your diet.

Compared to other winter squash varieties, butternut squash provides a higher amount of nutrients. There are several different ways to enjoy butternut squash.

Brown rice is a fantastic, cheap food that provides fiber, vitamins and minerals. It consists mostly of carbs , with 3. The health benefits of brown rice include reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as well as promoting weight control 43 , 47 , 48 , Including brown rice in your diet is simple.

It is quite easy to prepare and can be enjoyed with just about any meal. It contains an impressive amount of nutrients, including B vitamins, iron, manganese, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium Rural Farmers Market Promotes Food Security highlights how one farmers market in rural Michigan has promoted programs to help disadvantaged residents access fresh produce more easily.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children WIC encourage farmers markets to accept their program benefits.

Working With Rural Producers to Expand EBT in Farmers' Markets: A Case Study in Hardeman County, Tennessee discusses an Extension program that encouraged rural producers to accept SNAP benefits through Electronic Benefit Transfer EBT and advertise at farmers markets.

In community supported agriculture programs CSAs , local residents commit to purchasing part of a local farmer's crop at the beginning of the year. Farmers receive a cash investment to operate their farm and residents receive a supply of fresh produce. This program allows farmers and consumers to share the risks and benefits of local farming.

Farm to school initiatives help local farmers sell fresh fruits and vegetables directly to public schools or incorporate school gardens in meal programs so that nutritious meals and snacks can be served to students and teachers, as well as educating children about nutrition and local farming. The Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems offers toolkits and other resources related to farm to school initiatives.

Our Rural Schools and Health topic guide has more information about how schools can provide access to nutritious meals for students. Food pantries and other forms of direct food assistance, such as backpack food programs for children , can fill an important need for rural residents experiencing food insecurity.

Food pantries can distribute nutritious food to low-income families and work with the local social services staff to give families information on nutrition, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP , and other social services in the community.

Mobile food pantry trucks may be an option in rural communities without a suitable place to store and distribute food. For example, the Care and Share Food Bank provides mobile food pantry services to rural communities across Southern Colorado.

Some communities collaborate with public libraries to offer food pantry provisions or lunches during the summer months. Public libraries were particularly helpful for food distribution during the COVID pandemic, and communities chose to make funding permanent for these programs going forward.

See Serving Up Solutions: Innovative Approaches to Delivering Non-Congregate Summer Meals in Rural Areas for an example of a summer meal program from the California Library Association.

Community programs to improve access to food may also include education and outreach activities. Approaches to assist low-income residents include education on food assistance programs, social services, and training related to home economics, such as cooking from scratch and shopping wisely.

The SNAP Ed program and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program EFNEP are federally-funded programs that provide peer education.

In addition, community organizations can plant community gardens and teach people how to grow their own food. Rural healthcare organizations can work with human services providers to ensure that low-income patients are able to access healthy food options.

Human services organizations may be able to offer training and tools to primary care providers so that they can screen patients for food insecurity.

Addressing Food Insecurity in Health Care Settings provides tips for screening patients for food insecurity and providing interventions, such as referrals. Healthcare providers can refer patients to:. In addition, rural healthcare providers can provide counseling and nutrition education for patients to promote wellness and help manage chronic disease.

Facilities may partner with other community organizations and businesses to provide or refer patients to cooking classes, meal programs, and other nutrition-related services and education.

Healthcare providers can also prescribe healthy foods. Providing Patients with Access to Nutritious Food describes programs in which medical facilities actively promote consumption of healthy foods among patients and local residents. The Lakewood Health System, in rural Minnesota, created Lakewood Engage , a program designed to improve access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food for positive health impact.

See the Models and Innovations section of this topic guide for other examples of projects conducted in rural communities. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP helps low-income individuals and families buy nutritious food.

According to the USDA-ERS report, Alleviating Poverty in the United States: The Critical Role of SNAP Benefits , rural areas have higher rates of poverty and higher use of SNAP benefits than metropolitan areas.

Furthermore, child poverty is higher in rural areas. One of the report's key findings is that SNAP benefits are particularly effective in reducing poverty for people in nonmetropolitan areas.

According to Characteristics of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Households: Fiscal Year , WIC provides nutritious food, information on healthy eating, education on breastfeeding, and referrals to healthcare. The Summer Meals Site Finder helps locate free summer meals for kids within a mile radius.

For more information on school nutrition programs, see our Rural Schools and Health topic guide. The Child and Adult Care Food Program CACFP provides financial assistance to childcare centers for nutritious meals and snacks.

The program helps in-home daycare providers, daycare centers, afterschool programs, and emergency shelters improve access to healthy food. Their website also provides nutrition education, healthy recipes, and wellness resources. One barrier for eligible rural families to participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program is that rural children are more likely to receive care in a relative's home than in a daycare center or afterschool program which qualifies for the Child and Adult Care Food Program.

Other challenges to increasing enrollment in child nutrition programs for eligible rural families include a lack of awareness about existing programs as well as a stigma related to receiving government assistance.

Rural families may also have a more difficult time utilizing the Summer Food Service Program because of the distance needed to travel to a participating site. One example of a community addressing this issue comes from Blaine County, Idaho, where The Hunger Coalition's Bloom Truck and Bloom Markets provide healthy sack lunches to children in the summer.

For more strategies related to addressing childhood hunger, see No Kid Hungry's Center for Best Practices repository of tools and resources. Food insecurity has a significant impact on rural seniors. According to The State of Senior Hunger in America in An Annual Report , 7. Much of farmers market produce is organic or produced according to those traditions , which is about 40 percent cheaper than organics sold in grocery stores.

If you want to become an expert on how to make your next trip to the farmers market cost-efficient, check out my tips on how to make local food affordable. Plan Ahead. Push all of the produce that you need to use up to the front of your fridge so that gets eaten before your new inventory.

For example, look for local strawberries in the early summer not in January if you live in the Northeast and winter squash in the fall. Every time I step into a farmers market, I am tempted to purchase everything because of all the vibrant, attention-grabbing colors of the fresh fruits and vegetables.

Indeed, many people overbuy at farmers markets because the produce is so gorgeous. And keep in mind the produce is riper, so it will go bad more quickly too. This is why planning and having a shopping list can help you avoid the temptation to overbuy.

Check Out the Deals of the Day. Try spending more time looking at the different vendors because some may have better prices than others. Get to know which vendors have the best prices so that you can visit their stalls first. Talk to the farmers so you can learn how their produce is grown—even though they may not be certified organic which raises the price of services , they may support those ideals.

Purchase Produce from Different Food Groups. There are more than just fruits and vegetables to be found at your local farmers market. These can make great options for healthy, plant-based, economic meals.

Make a Budget for Yourself. The dollars can just fly when you visit stand after stand, so set aside your weekly budget for spending, prioritizing items on your shopping list. One way to do this is to come with only the amount you have budgeted for the week of shopping. Remember though that when you eat a plant-based diet based on whole foods, you are not wasting money on package goods and may not even need to purchase much else at your conventional supermarket.