What happens when you decide to shop a different venue than your typical grocery store … say a farmers market? Well, in such a case, your traditional understanding of what it means to grocery shop has to change.

According to Dr. Christopher Sneed, extension specialist with The University of Tennessee Extension, the way consumers shop for food is based on a set of conditioned responses. “These conditioned responses guide consumers telling them ‘how’ to shop. In addition, the conditioned responses help consumers process information and make decisions during the shopping experience.”

When you shop at different or new retail venues such as a farmers market, your conditioned responses may no longer work. Thus, you must rethink how you shop.

To help you make these shifts in thinking and to help you make the most of the farmers market shopping experience, Sneed offers the following suggestions:

• Arrive early, but not too early. For the best selection, be sure to arrive early to the farmers market. However, do not arrive too early. Many farmers markets have strict start times. Vendors may not be able to sell to you before the market officially opens.

• Bring a bag. It is a good plan to bring a bag or basket with you to the market to carry all purchases.

• Have fun! Farmers markets are social, festive events. Take time to talk with your fellow shoppers and the vendors selling your food. Who knows? You may just learn a new way to prepare your favorite fruit or vegetable.

• Bring a cooler preferably one with wheels. Using a cooler helps protect your perishable items (cheeses, meats, dairy products) while you shop. In addition, a cooler will help you get these items home safely.

• Talk to the vendors. Unlike the grocery store, farmers markets allow you the opportunity to talk – in most cases – to the person who grew the food you are purchasing. Use this opportunity to your advantage, and ask away.

• Ask questions. Don’t assume all the foods at your farmers market are organic, grown in your community, or even grown by the vendor selling them. Markets have very different rules governing the types of items that can be sold. Asking the vendor is the best way to find out the information you need.

• Check with the market manager for any additional information. The manager can usually be found in the kitchen at the center of the market or working with the various vendors.

So, grab your favorite shopping bag and head out the door. A different, and fun, shopping experience is waiting for you. Check out the Warren County Farmers Market at 100 Market Street in McMinnville. Market is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

For more information, contact Hilda W. Lytle, UT TSU Extension-Warren County, 931-483-8484 or hlytle@utk.edu.