Farmer's Markets: Strengthening our Community

Originally published April 29, 2025 on Eats by Liwen.

Busy market in the early hours

Before the sun has warmed up the crisp, cold air of the winter morning, the neighboring residents of Waverly devoutly head towards the 32nd Farmer's Market. Even in the earliest hours, vendors move with lively, practiced rhythm. They juggle conversations while darting around to assist the steady stream of buyers. At the same time, their eyes constantly scan the crowd, ready to welcome curious passersby and to greet faces they recognize— all without missing a beat

It's clear that many shoppers are regulars, who are committed to shopping here rain or shine, regardless of the weather. Their willingness to pay more than double the price compared to their closest, big-chain Giant or Safeway, raises an obvious question: Why? Conversations with vendors pointed towards two prevailing reasons.

Quality is one factor. Food at local farmers market is fresher because of the shorter distance and time from farm to sale, according to an article from Johns Hopkins Medicine, "Health Benefits of Farmers Market." For fruits and vegetables, this means more time on the plant, resulting in higher levels of vitamins and minerals.

It may also taste better. The vendor of Neopol, a local smokery and deli, agrees. Their salmon "is never frozen," resulting in "better texture and richer flavors because the fat hasn't degraded."

A nearby customer says, "Though my culinary skills are extremely bad, I always end up with the juiciest, most flavorful plate of salmon. I really can't make it as good when I use lower-quality ingredients."

The other reason people favor farmer markets is to support what they stand for. "Farmer's markets directly support our community by stimulating the local economy," says Julia Mair, who works for Alluvion Aeroponics, Baltimore's first indoor aeroponics farm. She references the Small Business Economic Impact Study from American Express which found that on average, 67% of every dollar spent at small businesses stays in the local community, and every dollar spent at small businesses creates an additional 50 cents in local business activity . In contrast, research conducted by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance found that only 14% of the revenue from big-box retailers remain in the local economy. She also explains that small businesses tend to pay their employees better, while the wages paid by big-chain grocery stores can barely cover one's living expenses.

These small businesses are also more likely to help their community through non-monetary means. Alluvion Aeroponics, the startup she works for, is funded by the BMoreAg Foundation, a non-profit that aims to educate Baltimore's youth through STEM education and advocacy to eliminate food injustice, food apartheid, and hunger. "Our farms are located in Baltimore City. They are the first indoor vertical farms built in the city," she says. Their staff educates students on the sustainable agriculture technologies that address food security.

The 32nd St Farmer's Market, which is soon celebrating its 45th birthday, is one of the few farmer's markets in Baltimore City that are open year-round, a display of its loyalty to its community. Its consistent presence offers a dependable source of fresh produce and income, keeping its city's heartbeat strong. So before next Saturday rolls around, rally your friends, grab your tote, and say, "Let's go to the farmers market."