INTERNATIONAL FOODS NEAR YOU
Did you know there are a variety of markets for buying international foods in Rhode Island that are also locally grown? Sometimes the most convenient option isn't a large grocery store, but a smaller market that purchases locally grown produce — such as Asiana Market, Chinese-American MiniMarket, Davis Kosher Products, European Food Market, Mi Rae Market, International Meat Grocery, Jerusalem Meat Market, Mekong Market, Not Just Spices, Sanchez Mexican Market, and Venda Ravioli to name a few. Farmers markets also often have locally grown African and Asian ingredients like bitter melons/bitterballs, sweet potato greens, edamame, kittley, shiso, kimchi, and more! Whether you're shopping for specific ethnic foods that are fresh, natural, and locally grown, or you just want to try a supermarket alternative that's close to home, use these quick links to the Local Food Guide to learn more.
The Local Food Guide is a public, community-supported database of local food. Search near you by entering your town in the left column on these specific search pages:
Welcome to the Farmers Market
Take a look at some of the vibrant community marketplaces in Rhode Island — where farmers market managers like Farm Fresh RI support a diversity of locally grown foods and work to make them accessible to all Rhode Islanders.
Shopping on a tight budget? See below to learn more about how SNAP shoppers can double your farmers market dollars with Bonus Bucks.
When Should You Go?
Often held weekly, farmers markets come in many sizes and flavors, and can be open seasonally or all year-round. Whether you're shopping at an outdoor market in the warmer months or indoors at a wintertime market, farmers markets are ideal for regular weekly shopping, grabbing a quick last-minute ingredient, or meeting up with friends to enjoy prepared foods and special events for the whole family. And with over 40 farmers markets in Rhode Island, you’re likely to find one nearby!
Summertime Markets
Farmers markets are most abundant in our region during the warmer months of the year. Most summertime markets are held outdoors and stay open from early summer to early fall. Outdoor markets take place in both urban setting as well as parks and more rural spots. Some markets host a small group of farm stands, while others have a wide range of vendors and offer special community events — from live music and performances to fun activities for kids.
Wintertime Markets
When it gets cold here in Southern New England, it's easy to forget about shopping at a farmers market. But indoor farmers markets provide a warm place to meet up with neighbors, catch up with local growers and food makers, and get the kids out of the house! Wintertime markets still offer many choices of fresh vegetables, cold-stored from the fall harvest or grown in local greenhouses, as well as value-added products made by local small businesses.
What Will You Find?
Farms and food producers offer the freshest, highest-quality, most nutrient-rich foods at farmers markets — so you get the most for your money. Best of all, you get to know the farmers and producers who actually grow and make your food, so you’re the first to know about what's growing, recipe ideas, and insider tips straight from the source! In fact, farmers markets are often where you will find the best value on a wide range of foods you might be used to buying at a grocery store. Most markets offer a selection of fresh produce from local farms, and many also have local dairy, meat, seafood, bakery items, and value-added products like sauces and pickles — as well as food trucks and prepared foods, so you can snack while you shop or sit and enjoy a meal with friends.
See what's in season with the RI Harvest Calendar >
Please Note: Harvest calendars can be used to determine when specific crops are "in season" but it is important to know that these dates are approximate — as many factors affect when crops are ready to be harvested including weather, crop variety, and area of the state where they’re being grown. Make sure to contact the farm ahead of time to ensure what you’re interested in will be available prior to your visit. Contact information can be found for each farm on the Local Food Guide. Many farms also list what produce will be available monthly on their website and social media.
Consider the fact that although many supermarkets carry local produce, much of what you find at stores has been transported 1200 miles, on average. Produce at farmers markets is often picked ripe and sold within a day. That translates into fresher, more nutritious food because the vitamins and other nutrients haven’t had time to break down.
— Lauri Wright, Ph.D., R.D.N, assistant professor of nutrition at the University of North Florida (Wadyka, S. "Farmers Market Produce: Local vs. Organic," Consumer Reports, July 12, 2018.)
