Did you know there are farmers market coupons? If not, then you could be missing out on big savings.
Farmers markets are the best place to get fresh, local, healthy food. In many cases, farmers markets can offer produce prices that are comparable to – or even less than – grocery stores.
This means it is worthwhile to check out your local farmers market even if coupons aren’t an option there. Of course, it makes even more sense if you can take advantage of coupons there, too.
Farmers Market Coupons for Low-Income and Seniors
The government offers farmers market coupons for low-income and senior individuals. A few different programs are available, with variations by state. They may only offer coupon books at certain times of the year. Furthermore, you must meet specific requirements. That said, these programs bring fresh food to people who need it.
Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
SFMNP is a federal program. It gives grants to states. The states then use that money to offer coupons to low-income seniors. Seniors can take those coupons to the farmers market and exchange them for fruits, vegetables, honey, and fresh herbs. With this program, seniors can use coupons at the farmers market of their choice. They can even use these farmers market coupons at roadside fresh food stands and to access food through community-supported agriculture programs (CSAs).
WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
FMNP is very similar to SFMNP. However, it isn’t intended for seniors. These market coupons are given to low-income women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth. They can also use these coupons to purchase healthy food for children under the age of five.
Coupons at Established Farmers Markets
Many farmers markets are simple stands that are set up once a week during the produce-rich time of year. They can be very informal. However, there are some places that have year-round farmer’s markets that may be open one or more days per week. In such cases, there may be coupons available specific to that location.
Sometimes the coupons are produced by the administration of the building itself. This means that you get coupons for a variety of different stores and stalls inside that market. For example, the Mullica Hill Amish Market in New Jersey is a non-traditional farmers market that offers monthly coupons for sales at many vendors.
In contrast, you can look for coupons for the individual shops and stores within these farmers markets. In addition to stalls, there are often on-site restaurants. For example, N.C. Seafood Market at the North Carolina Farmers Market in Raleigh offers regular coupon deals. In fact, when you sign up online for their newsletter, you get a coupon for a free sweet tea or lemonade.
Chinook Book Farmers Market Coupons
Chinook Book is a phone app that provides local, sustainable coupons to people living in certain cities including Denver and the San Francisco Bay Area. It has a $15 annual fee, but the first 30 days are free. This is a great place to look for farmers market coupons. A recent search for “farmers market” in the Bay Area turned up deals at several locations including the Ferry Market Farmers Market, which is the largest farmers market in San Francisco.
Use Coupon Techniques to Get Bargains at Farmers Markets
The farmers market that you go to might be one that doesn’t offer coupons. However, you can use your knowledge of coupons to bargain for better prices. The people working in the markets are usually the farmers or their family/staff members. They are often open to bargaining. Think of your favorite coupon types and ask about:
- Buy one, get one deals
- Percentage off for a bulk purchase
- Dollar amount off if you buy a certain amount
- “As is” pricing for produce with slight imperfections
You are most likely to get a good bargain on items that are still left just before the farmers market is about to close.
Do you have any tips for saving money at the farmers market? Share your advice in the comments!
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