Kat’s Money Corner: Save at farmers markets like a pro

Farmers markets can be a great resource, and Kansas City is bursting with them – from downtown to the far-flung suburbs. When warmer weather arrives, they’re the perfect place to get outside, see what local growers have to offer and maybe even save a little money on groceries for the week.

Set a Game Plan

You’ll want to have a plan in mind before heading out. Sure, you can indulge in a few impulse buys, but wandering around the stands without a strategy will induce you to overbuy produce that you can’t eat before it goes bad and forget ingredients for your weekly meal plan. Take a lap around the whole market before you buy anything, so you’ll know how many vendors are selling tomatoes and what their prices are before you start filling your basket.

If you want to stock up on foods that freeze well, like raspberries, go ahead and buy in bulk to save. Or take a friend along and split up those big baskets of produce. Also, figure out which of your favorite fruits and veggies are in season. If you see out-of-season strawberries, for example, they’re probably not local, and they’re probably not going to be a good deal, either.

Green is Good

If you have to choose between vegetables with or without the leafy tops attached, go ahead and put up with the greens. Those plants will keep longer, and you can use the greens in cooking. Don’t be afraid to try something new. A few years ago, kale was the “black sheep” of the greens family, and now it’s a staple. Ask vendors how to put the unusual produce in their booths to good use.

Arrival Time is Key

If you have specific things in mind, go early. The good produce sells out. An advantage to going later, however, is that vendors don’t want to pack up any unsold merchandise, so you might be able to cut a deal. Get to know your favorite vendors from week to week, and they’ll let you know when the fresh sweet corn or watermelon will be at its best.

Market Etiquette

Even in the most harried and hurried of cities, farmers markets are notoriously friendly spaces. Take your time, make small talk, and don’t be afraid to ask someone where she found her stash of luscious-looking white peaches. Keep your dog on a leash, and take your kids only after making sure they’re up for a long morning of shopping.

We are trying to eat healthier in our family by looking for more organic options as well as fewer foods with refined sugars. The market is a great way for us to have family time together and get some good deals to eat better. Giving kids a short list and a limited amount of cash will help them learn about food shopping in a much more fun environment than the cereal aisle.

Kat's Money Corner is posted on Dollars & Sense every Tuesday. Kat Hnatyshyn, when not blogging or caring for her little ones, is a manager with CommunityAmerica Credit Union. For more financial chatter, click http://twitter.com/savinmavens or visit http://communityamerica.com.

This story was originally published May 17, 2016 at 10:02 AM with the headline "Kat’s Money Corner: Save at farmers markets like a pro."