Farmers Markets Pop Up Throughout the Hudson Valley
For many, an empty fridge means a standard trip to the local supermarket, but here in the Hudson Valley an alternative option is becoming more and more popular: the farmers market.
Local farmers gather weekly to sell their fruits and vegetables, which, compared to supermarket produce, typically contain less pesticides, fewer GMO’s, and oftentimes are picked daily.
Paul Baner, who frequents the Beacon Farmers Market, said that he has been buying his produce from various farmers markets for years.
“[The fruits and vegetables from farmers markets] don’t go through the same chemical processing plants that mass-produced products do that then go into the big supermarkets.”
At the supermarket, the produce is shipped over in boxes, sometimes traveling hundreds of miles before reaching its destination.
But when you buy from a farmers market, you’re getting locally-sourced food, therefore supporting your neighbors and local economy.
Marc Stopkie, owner of Adair Vineyards, said, “A lot of people, especially that come to farmers markets, would rather support someone that’s in New York or locally versus a California winery or a Virginia winery, because they know that the money that I make is gonna be present in the area.”
But like most great things, there’s a catch, and in this case, it comes at a high cost. Literally.
At Stop & Shop a pound of sweet potatoes is 99 cents compared to the whopping $2.50 it’ll cost you at the farmers market. For other fruits and vegetables, like carrots, apples, and spinach, you’ll find bargain prices at grocery stores for a fraction of the cost, leaving many people unsure about where to buy their produce.
Ultimately, there is no right answer. After weighing the pros and cons, it comes down to personal preference and whether or not you have the money to spend.
