10 great reasons to shop at Market on the Mall!

1. Freshness – Everything sold at this certified farmers markets is fresher and better tasting due to the fact that the food is grown practically in your own backyard. Freshness right at your fingertips and it didn’t even have to cross the state!  It doesn’t get better than that.   

2. Variety – You never know what you’re going to get at a farmers market. With the wide array of farmers and foods on hand, the possibilities are endless. Different farmers bring different variety of produce and products, so if you are looking for one type of strawberry and don’t see it the first vendor – keep looking! Chances are it might be right in front of you.

3. Convenient Location – Just  a few minutes from Courthouse Park, right around the corner from Chuckchansi Stadium and right smack dab in the middle of Fulton Mall is where you’ll find Market on the Mall. Whether you just came to downtown to stroll the city or you came for work, one thing is certain. The market will be here come lunchtime!

4. Socialize with others – Eating locally grown food brings your family and the community together to make healthy changes for everybody. You are able to interact with local farmers, other customers and nearby store patrons. There is never a dull moment when you’re meeting new people.

5. Flavor – Have you ever browsed the produce section or aisle at the supermarket and wondered ‘how does this taste?’ Well at farmers markets, you don’t have to wonder. You just dig right in! A big hit at farmers markets are the free samples. You are able to try a product before you buy so you know you’re getting what you want.

6. Cheaper than supermarkets – Farmers don’t have the overall labor, mortgage, transportation and other expenses required of a supermarket. Therefore, cost comparisons show that overall farmers markets sell produce for less than supermarkets. 

7. Outdoor weather – There is something magical about being in outdoors feeling the breeze (or in this case, summer heat) across your face. It sure beats the stuffy and routine nature of indoor supermarkets.  

8. Reducing carbon footprints – Did you know it takes an average of 1500-2500 miles for certain produce to get to your local grocery store? It takes as many as seven to 14 days in transit before it actually arrives in the store. Compare that to produce that is locally grown. It usually travels less than 15 miles from the farm to the market. Overall, buying at a market will result in less carbon dioxide emissions.

9. You can talk to the farmer – One of the benefits of markets is that it gives you the capability to speak to the person that is growing the food you put on your dinner table. You can choose to buy from farmers you trust. Knowing exactly where the food comes from and how it is grown is an added benefit to the consumer.

10. Support small local farms – Fresno is home to more than 4,000 independently owned farmers and their families. By buying from these farmers, you are not only helping their small business thrive, but the local economy as well!