I’ve discussed Community Supported Agriculture and Growing and Storing Your Own Produce, and today I’ll talk about attending the local Kansas City Farmers’ Markets.
Did you know there are over 30 Farmers’ Markets in the Kansas City Area?
And with that big of a selection, you can find a market to fit your location, style, and produce needs.
My number one tip for Kansas City Farmers’ Markets? – Attend the same Farmers’ Markets AND get to know the Farmers.
It isn’t enough to just buy from a Farmers’ Markets anymore. More and more often, there are “farmers” who purchase wholesale fruits and vegetables from semi-trucks and repackage them as locally grown. And when that happens, you might as well just buy your produce at the grocery store.
Start going to the same Farmers’ Markets week after week and talk to the farmers. Introduce yourself. Tell them what you are interested in. You will find out pretty quick who is out in the fields with their crops and who is buying off the truck. (And if your tomatoes have stickers on them – they aren’t local or pesticide free.)
Other tips for Farmers’ Markets.
Go Early. The best selection is first thing in the morning. And if the produce is a HOT item (like Sweet Corn), there is a chance it can be sold out by 9:00 am.
Go Late. However, the best deals are found late in the afternoon. The farmer’s are ready to go home and are more willing to deal.
Bring Your Own Bags. They will give you plastic bags, but they are uncomfortable for shopping. A good cotton reuseable bag makes your morning enjoyable.
Inspect Your Produce. There is no return policy. Take some time and inspect your produce and make sure you are getting the best quality for your price.
Bring Cash. There are no credit card machines. And small bills are appreciated.
Enjoy the Atmosphere. Every Farmers’ Market has its own culture. Enjoy it. Some have live music. Some have street vendor food. Some have goods for sale, in addition to food. Relax. Take it in.
10 Kansas City Farmers’ Markets
City Market
It’s the biggie. This Farmers’ Market is located in the River Market neighborhood with over 140 vendors. And it has it ALL – food, flowers, gifts, wares, produce, etc. Time: Saturday 6:30 am – 3:30 pm, and Sunday 9 am – 4 pm.
Brookside Farmers’ Market
This market prides itself in the “Farm To Fork” movement. A greater percentage of the vendors are certified organic. It’s located at 63rd Street & Wornell. Time: Saturday 8 am – 1 pm.
Kansas City Organics and Naturals Market
This market is 100% organic. Located at Minor Park, just East of Holmes on Red Bridge Road (111th Street). Time: Saturday 8 am – 12:30 pm.
Downtown Overland Park Farmers’ Market
This farmers’ market has grown to be the biggest in Johnson County. Located at the Clock Tower Plaza, just 2 blocks West of Metcalf between 79th and 80th Streets. Time: Saturday 6:30 am – Sell Out and Wednesday 7:30 am – Sell Out.
Parkville Farmers’ Market
One of the oldest and most historic Farmers’ Markets. Located at south of the railroad tracks at English Landing Park in downtown Parkville. Time: Saturday 6 am – Sell Out and Wednesday 3 – 6 pm.
Bad Seed Farmers’ Market
Born out of Bad Seed Farms, this urban farmers’ market is dedicated to providing the “conscious consumer” with foods grown sustainably and is held in the Crossroads at 1909 McGee. Time: Friday 4 – 9 pm.
Briarcliffe GreenAcres Farmers’ Market
This is the Northland’s 100% organic produce market (along with lots of homemade goodies). Located at 4151 N. Mulberry Drive. Time: Thursday 3 – 7 pm.
Liberty Farmers’ Market
This market features growers from farmers and growers from Clay, Platte, Jackson, Clinton and Ray counties. On Wednesdays it is located at Crowley’s Furniture at Highways 152 and 291 from 7 am – 12 pm. On Saturday it is at Liberty Square in Downtown from 7 am – 12 pm
Olathe Farmers’ Market
This market features good from growers and producers within 125 miles of Olathe. Located at 200 W. Sante Fe. Time Saturday 7 am – Sell Out and Wednesday 3 pm – Sell Out.
Independence Farmers’ Market
This market features local growers and one of the largest selection of crafts and goods in the area. Located at Independence Square between Truman Road and Main. Time Saturday from 7 am – 1 pm and Wednesday 7 am – 1 pm.
So get out this weekend and experience a Farmers’ Market! You’ll never know what you will find.
What is your favorite Farmers’ Market? Leave a comment and let me know.