Think farmers markets are expensive? Learn how to save money at the farmers market with smart shopping tips, seasonal buying, and budget-friendly strategies.

“Farm to table” refers to a food system where ingredients move directly from local farms to consumers with minimal processing or distance. It supports fresher food, local farmers, and more sustainable communities.

Regenerative agriculture is a farming approach focused on improving soil health, increasing biodiversity, and restoring ecosystems. It goes beyond sustainability by actively rebuilding the land while producing food.

You can create simple, delicious summer meals using fresh farmers market ingredients like tomatoes, zucchini, berries, and herbs. Focus on seasonal produce, keep recipes simple, and let the ingredients shine.

You can reduce food waste by planning meals, storing food properly, using leftovers creatively, freezing extra food, and composting. Small changes in your daily habits can save money, reduce environmental impact, and support a more sustainable food system.

Shop early for the best selection, talk to farmers, bring reusable bags and cash, and focus on seasonal produce to get the most value and experience from your local farmers market this summer.

Learn how to use EBT at farmers markets, including Market Match benefits. Step-by-step guide to accessing fresh, local food affordably.

Eating seasonally means choosing fruits and vegetables that are naturally harvested at the time you’re buying them. This leads to better flavor, improved nutrition, lower costs, and a stronger local food system. Start by shopping at farmers markets and building meals around what’s in season.

For 15 years, the Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market has grown from a grassroots idea into a thriving community hub—powered by volunteers, shoppers, farmers, and donors. Supporting the market means supporting local food systems, education, and a healthier community.

Spring farmers markets offer fresh greens, strawberries, herbs, and early vegetables. Shop early for the best selection, focus on seasonal produce, and keep meals simple to enjoy peak freshness and flavor.

The Hart Park Grove Gleaning Program harvests surplus citrus from the City of Orange’s grove at Hart Park and donates it to the community—reducing food waste while increasing access to fresh, healthy food. Volunteers play a key role and can easily get involved.

Community farmers markets are more than places to shop—they are essential community infrastructure. They improve public health, strengthen local economies, increase food access, support environmental sustainability, and provide everyday education that builds long-term resilience.

Farmers markets are welcoming, affordable, and community-focused. With a few simple farmers market tips, you can shop confidently, stretch your budget, and build relationships with local growers while supporting a stronger local food system.

Supporting local nonprofits doesn’t stop at financial donations. You can make a lasting impact year-round by volunteering, attending events, sharing resources, offering professional skills, becoming an advocate, and building long-term community relationships.

Shopping seasonally at your local farmers market means fresher food, better flavor, lower environmental impact, and stronger support for local farmers. This guide explains why seasonal produce matters and how to shop smarter year-round.

True food access goes beyond availability. It includes education, affordability, dignity, and local connection. Community-based nonprofits play a vital role in building sustainable food access by empowering people with knowledge and strengthening local food systems.

Food education helps children develop healthier eating habits, environmental awareness, and a stronger connection to their community. Hands-on learning—like gardening, farm visits, and market experiences—builds food literacy that benefits families, local food systems, and long-term community health.

Farmers markets are one of the simplest ways to build healthier habits at the start of the new year. They support local farmers, strengthen local food systems, create everyday food education opportunities, and bring communities together around fresh, seasonal food. Choosing to shop at a farmers market helps build a more resilient, connected, and sustainable community—one visit at a time.

To date in 2025, Orange Home Grown (OHG) has distributed $36,640 in CalFresh and $18,239 in Market Match benefits, helping households stretch their food budgets and directly supporting local producers. Since introducing these benefits in 2017, OHG has distributed more than $201,491 in CalFresh and $82,673 in Market Match at the market.

On Saturday, July 26, 2025 Orange Home Grown proudly hosted Market for the People: Buy-Out to Nourish Our Community, a one-day farmers market event held at 303 West Palm Avenue in Old Towne Orange from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. The event brought the community together in a shared mission of care, connection, and collective action, turning the farmers market into a platform for direct support of local families.