Shop the farmers market for less!

We love using the fresh fare from the farmers market for tasty summer meals—but the often-higher prices aren’t as appealing as the food. Here, expert tips to shop the market without breaking the bank

- LORRAINE SULLIVAN

Go for bulk to nab food for less

“We know to buy produce in bulk to lower farmers market prices, but many markets also sell prepared food, and those vendors are more than willing to give you a deal when you buy their food in bulk. For instance, this week, I got an extra package of tamales for free when I bought four (I froze them for later), plus the vendor offered me a container of salsa at half price. So I paid $30 for 10 tamales plus salsa—a combo that costs over $45 in a store!” —Andrew Ehlert, local business expert at WeRaleigh.com

Pay with ‘cash’ to score discounts