According to the Farmers Market Coalition, by the beginning of 2016, there were more than 8,500 farmer’s markets in the US- 50 percent more than just five years ago. Farmers markets are more than just an outlet for fresh produce and friendly farmers. Farmers markets:
- Preserve America’s rural livelihoods and farmland.Farmers markets provide one of the only low-barrier entry points for beginning farmers, allowing them to start small, test the market, and grow their businesses.
- Stimulate local economies. Growers selling locally create 13 full time farm operator jobs per $1 million in revenue earned. Those that do not sell locally create 3.
- Increase access to fresh, nutritious food. Several studies have found lower prices for conventional and organic produce at farmer’s markets than at supermarkets.
- Support healthy communities. Four out of five farmers selling at markets discuss farming practices with their customers, and three in five discuss nutrition and how to prepare food.
- Promote sustainability. Three out of four farmers selling at farmer’s markets say they use practices consistent with organic standards.
“Farmers markets play a vital role in forming healthy, local food systems,” says Jen Cheek, Executive Director of the Farmers Market Coalition. “By providing the opportunity for farmers to connect directly with consumers, markets serve as education centers. Vendors are teaching customers about agriculture, sharing recipes, and exposing them to new foods. Markets are making people and communities stronger and healthier. “
In most states, the peak farmers market season is in the summer months. However, due to our hot summer temps, the Valley’s farmer’s markets really take off in late September/early October (though some do take place year-round). We have put together a list of some of the markets that are available. For more markets that may be closer to you, click here, or do a quick internet search.
CENTRAL
4700 E Warner Road in Phoenix. Open Sundays, October – May from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. (June – September it is open 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
721 N Central Avenue, Phoenix. Open Saturdays from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Scottsdale Old Town Farmers’ Market
3806 N. Brown Ave, Scottsdale. Open 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Saturday. Reopens October 15, 2016.
8900 E Thomas Rd, Scottsdale. Open 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Friday.
5757 North Central Avenue, Phoenix. Open Saturday mornings, year-round from 8:00 AM – 12 noon (May – September) or 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (October – April). The market moves indoors for the summer months. The market is also open on Wednesday mornings from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM from October to June.
EAST VALLEY
Mill Ave. & 7th Street, Tempe. Open Sundays from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. This is a new market set to open October 23, 2016.
Dr. AJ Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave, Chandler. Open on Thursdays 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Closed during summer months. Reopens the first Thursday of October.
222 N. Ash Street in Gilbert (next to the water tower.) Open on Saturdays from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM October through March and 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM April through September.
Mesa Community Farmers Market
20 E. Main St, Mesa. Open on Fridays from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, October through May.
2505 E Germann Rd, San Tan Valley. Open on Saturdays from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek.
This is not technically a farmer’s market, but deserves to be on this list. Shnepf Farms offers organic vegetables you pick yourself straight from the ground. Prices will vary with produce. There are other activities to do on the farm as well making this a fun outing. Check their website for available picking days and times.
Super Farm Market at Superstition Farms
3440 S. Hawes Rd, Mesa. Open every Thursday evening from 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Bring the kids, there is a petting zoo!
805 South Farmer Ave, Tempe. Indoor farmers market open daily from 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Open until midnight on Fridays and 1:00 AM on Saturdays.
NORTH VALLEY
41703 N Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem. Open Sundays from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Closed for the Summer. Reopens Oct 30, 2016.
Carefree Farmers Market
101 Easy Street, Carefree. Open on Fridays from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM from October through May.
Fountain Hills Farmers Market and Art on the Avenue
16858 E. Ave of the Fountains, Fountain Hills. Art walk and farmers market all in one. Open on Thursdays starting October 27, 2016 from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
3502 E Cactus Rd, Phoenix. Open 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM every Saturday, October through May and 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM June through September.
WEST VALLEY
3151 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. Opens for the season in October and is open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
9744 W. Northern Avenue, Peoria. Saturdays from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, September through April.
16820 N 99th Ave, Sun City. Open Thursdays from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Reopens for the season on October 6, 2016.