FAQs • Papillion, NE • CivicEngage

Are prices for food the same at farmers markets as in grocery stores?: Farmers market vendors are local entrepreneurs who, like other retailers, set prices that allow them to reasonably cover their costs. Prices vary by product, but a number of studies found that similar produce are typically less expensive at farmers markets than at nearby grocery stores. One cost advantage that farmers markets offer is the ability to buy fresh food in bulk at the height of the season and preserve or freeze for later use when the product would otherwise be more expensive, hard to find, or of lower quality.

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Papillion Farmers Market

1. Papillion Farmers Market: We encourage anyone interested in becoming a vendor to download the Rules, Regulations and Application. Once you've read and agreed to the terms, simply return the completed application to our office with the booth fee. The application must be accompanied by full payment for consideration. Payment may be mailed or submitted in person.

2. I am a musician interested in playing one night at your market, who do I contact?: Contact Tami Phillips at the Papillion Recreation Department at 402-597-2041.

3. What should I bring to the Market?: - Reusable bags
- Cash (small bills suggested) - Grocery list

4. Can I bring my pet to the market?: Yes, we allow dogs at our market. Please read our rules and regulations for dogs at the market:
- Dogs must be kept on a short leash
- Keep your dog under control and by your side at all times
- Keep your dog away from produce, plants and other food products (both head and tail)
- Dogs must be human and dog friendly
- Be considerate – not everyone is a dog lover and some customers may be allergic.
- Always clean up after your dog

5. Does the market sell organic products?: Each vendor is different. If you have any questions about purchasing products that are organic, please ask each vendor individually.

6. How do I pay?: Most vendors are cash only. However some vendors have their own portable credit/debit card readers. We recommend bringing small bills just in case there is a vendor that does not accept credit/debit cards. There will Not be an ATM on location.

7. What are the dates and hours?: Regular season dates are Wednesday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. - May 31st through August 23rd. There will be no sales before 5 p.m.

8. What will I find at the farmers market?: At the Papillion Farmers Market you will find fresh produce, home baked goods, organic soaps, freshly made food ready to eat such as BBQ and enchiladas. There are also a variety of home based business that have great products for everyday living. Check us out on Wednesdays in Papillion City Park. There's something new every week!

9. Why should I shop at the farmers market when my supermarket sells organic and sometimes even local food?: While some food retailers do carry local and organic products, not all of them can carry a variety of local foods, or ensure a fair price to the farmer. Shopping at a farmers market is a unique experience that benefits farmers and producers directly (they go home with a greater share of the retail price than they would by selling wholesale, where the margins are, well, just that– marginal), offering you more unique products, more heirloom varieties, and more opportunities to build relationships and learn about healthy eating. Farmers markets are a community experience, where you can meet your neighbors, friends, and farmers, and where more of your dollar will stay in the local community

10. Are prices for food the same at farmers markets as in grocery stores?: Farmers market vendors are local entrepreneurs who, like other retailers, set prices that allow them to reasonably cover their costs. Prices vary by product, but a number of studies found that similar produce are typically less expensive at farmers markets than at nearby grocery stores. One cost advantage that farmers markets offer is the ability to buy fresh food in bulk at the height of the season and preserve or freeze for later use when the product would otherwise be more expensive, hard to find, or of lower quality.

11. When I shop at a farmers market, where does my money go?: At a farmers market, you hand your money to the person who grew or made the products in front of you. According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, more than 130,000 agricultural entrepreneurs are selling quality products directly to the people eating them. A series of case studies by Civic Economics shows that for every dollar we spend at a large chain, about 15 cents stays in the area, while locally owned enterprises like farms trap 30 to 45 cents.