1. Where do you usually buy fruit and vegetables?
Why do you go there?
How many kinds of markets do you know?
Work in group. Brainstorm.
Is there a market near you? What can you buy
there? How often is it held?
Do you prefer to buy at the market or the
supermarket? Explain why.
FARMERS’ MARKET VS. SUPERMARKET
If I need a vegetable, I go to the back yard to see
what’s in the garden. If that’s a disappointment,
my next option is the farmers’ market. There I find
beautiful, fresh, and uneaten vegetables (as well as
breads, meats, eggs, plants and crafts) to suit my
needs. Only if I can’t find what I need at the
farmers’ market do I go to the supermarket for
produce.
Why is the local supermarket my third choice for
produce?
• Supermarket produce is not as fresh as farmers’
market fare.
• Some items are coated or treated to give the
appearance of freshness.
• Supermarket produce typically loses nutritional What are the advantages and disadvantages of
value as it is transported from far away. local markets? Make a pro and con list.
• Produce in supermarket tends to come from
large producers who use heavy pesticides and What are the advantages and disadvantages of
petroleum-based fertilizers to provide supermarkets? Make a pro and con list.
“perfect” specimens for the consumer.
• Produce in supermarkets tends to be varieties
When was the last time you went to the
that ship well, but don’t necessarily taste good.
market? What did you buy? Tell the class.
Why do I prefer the farmers’ market?
• Produce is fresh, sometimes picked only a few Are markets important? Why or why not?
hours before I buy it. Could we live without markets?
• In general, the produce has fewer pesticides.
• Talk about customer service. Local farmers
What could you possibly buy at a flea market?
literally stand behind their produce, eager to
talk with you about varieties, preparation, and Do research and give examples.
preservation.
• It’s local. That impacts quality, taste, Are there any seasonal or festival markets
nutritional value, even carbon footprint. where you live? What can you do or buy there?
What about price?
Compare prices of some goods sold at the
The supermarket offers convenience and variety.
But on comparable items the farmers’ market market, supermarket and convenience store
competes well in price and, in my opinion, quality. (e.g. kilo of tomatoes, bread, meat, shower
The farmers’ market doesn’t replace the cream). Do research if necessary.
supermarket, but it’s a good alternative for fresh Where is the best place to shop?
produce.