June 9, 2025 | By Claire Sinovic
I love all the seasons for different reasons, but summer at the farmers market? It’s truly something special.
Stalls are overflowing with ripe tomatoes, sweet berries, crisp cucumbers, fragrant herbs, bubbly fermented drinks and so much more. There’s music in the air, fresh-cut flowers on tables, and the delicious smell of baked goods drifting from stand to stand.
It can be so fun, but it can also feel a little overwhelming if you’re new to the scene. What do you bring? How do you choose what to buy? How can you be sure you’re supporting the farmers who align with your values?
Don’t worry, The Food Circle has you covered! Whether you’re a farmers market newbie or a casual browser ready to dive deeper, here are five summer-ready tips to help you make the most of your local market.
1. Find a Farmers Market Near You
Before you can stock up on heirloom tomatoes and wildflower honey, you need to know where your local markets are and when they’re open. Summer markets often pop up multiple days a week, and sometimes in the evenings or on a weekday, too (the perfect way to restock midweek!).
Use the Eat Local Map to search for the market nearest you. You’ll find market locations, hours, and even info about local farms, CSAs, and other food producers in your area. Once you find a market you like, it’s worth checking their social media pages as each will have the most up to date information on vendors, events, and special offerings. For more details on our Eat Local Map and Member Directory, check out our blog post here.
For another fun and interactive way to visit multiple markets in KC this summer, check out the KC Farmers Market Passport. This free, interactive guide includes 18 Farmers Markets and Farm stands in KC (both KS & MO), many of which are also featured on the Eat Local Map! You can pick your passport up at participating markets as well as at Kansas City Community Gardens and many of the KC Public Library branches.
Get your passport stamped at each participating market you visit and once you’ve acquired 4 stamps, you’ll earn cash-value prizes with local small businesses for participating! Prizes include discounts at local restaurants, plant nurseries, and coffee shops.
2. Bring Cash (and Small Bills)
Many vendors offer mobile payment options, but cash is still the best bet at most markets, especially smaller stands and farms. Some might even offer a little discount if you pay with cash. Pro tip: Bring small bills! It makes transactions quicker and easier for everyone.
3. Pack Your Summer Market Essentials
Reusable bags make great carriers for most of your market goodies, but in the heat of summer, you might want to bring a few extra options including:
- Insulated tote or cooler bag: Perfect for dairy, meat, or anything that wilts quickly.
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated while you browse.
- Sunglasses, hat, or sunscreen: Markets are often outdoors and sunny.
- Wagon or rolling cart: If you’re planning to stock up and buy a lot of goods, this makes your trip a little easier.
My go-to is a sturdy canvas bag with an inner pocket for my wallet and keys (diapers, wipes and snacks too if I’m shopping with my favorite companions) and I always stash an extra bag inside just in case I buy more than expected.
4. Talk to the Farmers
One of the best things about shopping at the farmers market is getting to know the people who grow your food. Ask them how their crops are doing, what’s in season, or how they recommend preparing a new-to-you veggie.
These conversations aren’t just informative, they’re relationship-building. When you find a vendor you trust and connect with, supporting them becomes even more meaningful.
5. Ask About Growing Practices
All KC Food Circle Member Farmers pledge to uphold high standards for growing produce and mushrooms, beekeeping, and raising animals with care and integrity, so you can feel confident when shopping with anyone listed in our member directory. When shopping with nonmember farmers, it doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t using sustainable growing practices, but if you’re unsure, you can ask the following to get a better understand of their products:
- Do they use synthetic pesticides/herbicides?
- How do they manage soil health?
- How are they raising their animals?
And if after this conversation you think the farmer might be a good fit for The Food Circle, send them our way! We’d love to share more about how they can become members and get listed on the map/directory.
Hope you found some useful tips here today! Each season has something unique to offer, but the summer is truly a magical time at the market. Happy shopping!