A Comparative Look of Farmers’ Markets in Metropolitan Areas Across Minnesota

Abstract

Farmers’ markets are important tools for providing access to fresh, local food in urban environments. . In SE market locations, a study was done to compare the number of nearby grocery stores with the average sending at each market location. In the Twin Cities Metro area, 2018 and 2021 market data were compared to study the impact of the pandemic on the relationship between the percentage of consumers who access their markets via public transportation and their purchasing behavior and demographics. It was observed that during pre-pandemic observations, public transportation had a relatively low impact on total dollars spent. Contrarily, it was found that post-pandemic consumer behavior included an increase in relative spending and a decrease in consumers accessing the market via public transportation. It has not been determined if this is a causal relationship.

Southeastern markets were studied to observe the relationship between the number of nearby SNAP retailers and reported farmers’ market metrics, while Twin Cities metro markets were studied to observe the relationship between public transportation and market spending. . These comparisons, while different in nature, work to understand the role that farmers’ markets can play in addressing problems such as urban food deserts.