Shopping for fresh food "just ain't what it used to be." Fortunately, farmers' markets and farmers' market store chains have been gaining in popularity over the decades.

Articles on Farmers' Markets

Cincinnati Locavore: How to Shop at Farmer's Markets — This blog article is very helpful for those new to shopping Farmer's Markets.

CHOW: Should You Bargain at a Farmer's Market? Haggling isn't the American Way — The 30 second video and its user comments are insightful. Video by Amelia Saltsman, author of The Santa Monica Farmers' Market Cookbook.

CHOW: Samples at a Farmer's Market Go Ahead and Taste the Fresh Produce — Amelia Saltsman's 29 second video tells us how we can try before we buy.

CHOW: Why You should Shop at the Farmers' Market Vegetables That Go Beyond Ordinary — Amelia Saltsman's 24 second video gives us the market's benefits.

LAist: Farmer's Market Twenty Dollar Challenge — This blog article gives tips for getting the best values while shopping Farmer's Markets, plus a few recipes using Farmer's Market produce.

About.com: San Diego Farmer's Markets — This article lists the Farmer's Markets in San Diego. However, for the most current list, consult the Farm Bureau San Diego County link below.

Farmers' Markets

Local Harvest — Use their online database to find local farms, farmers' markets, and other locally grown/organic food suppliers, nationwide.

Farm Bureau San Diego County — This site, in my locality, shows area Farmers' Markets, besides local farming information.

Farmers' Market Store Chains, selling local and organic foods

Henry's Markets — Henry's Farmers' Market is a store chain here in Southern California, affiliated with warehouse store Smart & Final. In Texas, Henry's is known as Sun Harvest.

Whole Foods Market is in 39 U.S. states, as well as in Canada (ON and BC) and the UK (London).

Jimbo's...Naturally! is a chain of four San Diego stores, owned by Jim "Jimbo" Someck.

STORE WARS

A video produced for the Organic Trade Association. Organic foods Cuke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Canoli, Princess Lettuce, C3 Peanuts, Tofu D2, Ham Solo, Chewbroccoli, and Yogurt join forces to battle the dark side of farming (i.e., chemical pesticides, irradiation, and genetic engineering) that is led by evil Darth Tater. "May the Farm be with you!!"