How can I best shop at the East Nashville Farmers Market?

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Get there at the start of the Market
The early bird gets the freshest produce. A farmer may only have a flat of ripe, juicy blackberries or a couple of pounds of fresh asparagus, so arrive early to make sure you have be best selection of high demand, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Do remember that we do not allow sales prior to 3:30 p.m.

Fun for the whole family
Be sure to bring the kids. Having your children experience the market can teach them from a young age how to eat healthy and support sustainable agriculture. Bonus…they might even eat their vegetables.

Take your time
Have fun browsing! Take time to soak in the experience and do it right. You’ll leave relaxed and inspired to get creative in the kitchen.

Bring Your Own Bags & Baskets
Many vendors don’t supply or choose not to supply customers with disposable bags. Bringing your own bags cuts down on cost and waste.

Bring a Cooler
The East Nashville Market hosts more than just fruit and vegetable farmers. You may find meats, milk, cheese, yogurt or other items that require refrigeration. By bringing a cooler, you can keep fresh foods cold until you head home at the end of the day.

Bring Cash and Small Bills
If you forget, or run out of cash, don’t worry! Bank debit cards are accepted by the market in exchange for tokens to be used at vendor booths. Some vendors accept checks or credit cards. We’ll exchange your swipe for wooden market tokens at the information booth. Tokens can be used at any booth and never expire.

SNAP
The East Nashville Farmers Market accepts SNAP/EBT, thus allowing customers to use their benefits at the market.The farmers market encourages everyone to purchase wholesome foods direct from local farmers and producers. We want everyone in our community, regardless of income, to have access to quality, nutritious foods at our farmers market. Please visit the information booth to redeem your benefits for market tokens.

Think “Whole Foods”
The fruits and vegetables you buy at the farmers market are the freshest and tastiest available. Fruits are allowed to ripen fully in the fields and are brought directly to you- no long-distance shipping, no gassing to simulate the ripening process, no sitting for weeks in storage. This foods is as real as it gets – fresh from the farm. Most food comes to the farmers market without being processed first. Carrots come whole and unpeeled. Corn is sold in the husk. Just-harvested produce may take some additional care, but the superior flavor and nutrition is worth the effort.

Don’t Squeeze the Produce
The best way to test a tomato or peach for freshness is to give it a little squeeze. But if you squeeze the peach and next person does the same and so on — the farmer ends up with bruised fruit that is not sell-able. Instead, ask the vendor to help.

Commit to one farmers-market-only meal per week.
Try making just one meal a week that’s completely purchased from your local farmer. You can buy corn tortillas, onions, ground beef, and cheese (all from the market) for an easy quesadilla supper. Or you could buy fresh berries, croissants, honey and cheese for a gourmet farmers market breakfast. After you’ve tried one meal a week, you’ll want to add more. But start with one, and see how truly easy and delicious it can be.

Promote Humane Treatment of Animals
At the farmers market, you can find meats, cheeses, and eggs from animals that have been raised without hormones or antibiotics, who have grazed on green grass and eaten natural diets, and who have been spared the cramped and unnatural living conditions of feedlots and cages that are typical of animal agriculture.

Be Creative
Be sure to leave a bit of flexibility to your meal plan. Ever had a purple carrot, white asparagus or yellow tomato? Trying new things is part of the fun of attending a farmers market. Challenge yourself to try something new each week. You’ll probably discover a new favorite fruit, vegetable, plant, flower, bread or cheese that will make your summer even richer and sweeter.

Buy in bulk
The best deals at the farmers market are had when you buy in volume or by the case. Not sure what to do with all of that food? Freezing, canning and drying are great ways to preserve your seasonal favorites from the market for later in the year.

Dogs
Well behaved, friendly dogs are allowed at the market. But, before you bring your pooch, you must read our policy (see below) to be sure you are following our market rules.

Dress comfortably
Wear walkign shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Our markets are open rain or shine, so be prepared with sunscreen and umbrellas.

Get Advice/Pre-order
If you find a new vegetable you want to try, ask the farmer how to prepare it. For the best tips specifically ask how they like to eat it. Vendors love to interact with Market Shoppers. Many vendors allow you to pre-order things like eggs, meat or artisan items.

Have fun!
The market can be a really fun experience, and it’s not always about the produce. Meet your neighbors. Share a recipe with someone. Grab a refreshing drink or a bite to eat and hang around to listen to the live music. Bring a camera since there are great photo opportunities.

Spread the word
Farmers markets can’t survive with out your local support. Remember that the vast majority of vendors are sole proprietors, farmers, and local producers who need your support to survive. Don’t keep us a secret. By telling your friends you can make sure that we stick around for years to come.