As grocery prices and food inflation continue to spike, some Northeast Florida shoppers are shifting away from grocery stores and turning to farmers markets and flea markets to get fresh produce and mingle with small businesses and vendors.
“People shop here, from chefs to people who just want to cook at home or people that just want to save money based on how the economy is right now,” Greg Tison, manager of the Jacksonville Farmers Market, told News4JAX.
Food inflation can be caused by transportation costs, higher input costs, and supply chain distributions. More than 88% of Americans have changed their grocery shopping habits, according to a LendingTree survey, with the traditional consumer moving away from classic supermarkets.
While prices vary, some shoppers say produce and specialty items can be cheaper or higher quality than grocery stores.
In times of economic struggles, flea markets and secondhand setups offer unique and discounted products. Flea and farmers markets also allow small businesses to easily carve out a space to locally offer their artisanal goods.
“I like flea markets because they are more unique because they can offer a wider, more exotic range of fruits,” said Katia Wettrich is a student at the University of North Florida who regularly attends markets.
Even though Pecan Park Flea and Farmers Market is closing later this year, there are plenty of flea markets in Northeast Florida worth checking out.
The Oakleaf Greenmarket
The Oakleaf Greenmarket is a popular open-air community market that supports local vendors, small businesses and farmers who promote an environmentally safe and healthy lifestyle. Locally grown produce, handcrafted items, and more can be found there. The Greenmarket is located at 8380 Merchants Way and takes place every Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Orange Park Farmers and Arts Market
The Orange Park Farmers and Arts Market was voted the best farmers market in Northeast Florida and features more than 100 vendors selling fresh produce and homemade crafts. From locally grown produce and honey to pottery pieces and handcrafted jewelry, there is something for everybody. The market also hosts live music during the event.e
The Orange Park Farmers and Arts Market runs September through June and is held on the first and third Sunday of every month. The market is located at 2042 Park Ave. in Orange Park, Florida. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Riverside Arts Market
The Riverside Arts Market is hosted by Riverside Avondale Preservation. This market features a variety of small businesses, including farmers, artists and food trucks. This market is family-friendly and hosts about 4,000 visitors every Saturday. Live music and dance performances are also held at the Riverfront Amphitheatre.
The Arts Market is located at 715 Riverside Ave. and is held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. under the Fuller Warren Bridge.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Rising food prices lead some Jacksonville shoppers to this alternative
Reporting by Amelia Espinales, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Amelia Espinales, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union | USA TODAY Network
