From the customers walking through the booths to the employees behind them, farmers markets have a way of inspiring a sense of community and empowering local businesses.
Get Local Arizona Events gives these farmers markets a place to shine, and the excitement of helping these “vital” parts of our economy continue to grow is real.
“We hope that before people go to a chain store, they will think about small businesses first and support their local communities so that those tax dollars go right back to their town and keep many small businesses afloat.” Christa said. Mr. Esquivel, owner of Get Local Arizona Events. “It’s really important that we continue to support small businesses so that we can all stay here and continue to help each other.”
Arizona is home to more than 20,000 farms producing everything from dairy products to vegetables, and all are finding ways to get homegrown products into the hands of eager customers.
Get Local Arizona Events offers that opportunity to local small businesses. The group hosts weekly farmers markets in Glendale, Peoria and Goodyear, with a variety of businesses open Wednesday through Sunday, except Friday.
Esquivel feels this opportunity will benefit the community.
“There are certainly statistics that show that when you support small businesses in your community, your taxes have a more direct impact on your community,” she says. “Also, when you shop at these small businesses, they notice every deal.
“They value every dollar, and some of these big chain stores won’t feel lonely if you’re gone for a week. They wouldn’t know if you didn’t come shopping, but these small businesses… I definitely notice it.”
She further explained that the direct and personal connection between customers and farmers allows them to share more knowledge about the exact details of the products they purchase, as opposed to a typical big chain store. .
“All the detailed questions that people have, from soil to pesticides to ingredients to hormones to antibiotics, are things you can’t ask in a store,” Esquivel said. “You can ask questions directly to the people selling at the farmers market and hear their stories about why they started their business and why they do what they do. You can also ask them questions about what makes their products special in the market. The practices they put into delivering the type of product that they feel like. And it’s always great to hear the stories and why they do things the way they do.”
In Esquivel’s eyes, the overall economic benefit from the farmers market is significant, but the community is equally receptive to the farmers market coming to the area.
“I think anyone who has ever been to a farmers market really appreciates the connection and that personal experience when they go shopping,” she said. “I think that’s really important. And sometimes, when we get so busy with life, we tend to forget that we need people, we need to be around them, we need to be outside. We can do all of those things at once.”
Esquivel helps build a platform for small businesses to shine, and Get Local Arizona Events is on a mission to continue giving the “little people” the best chance to succeed.
“If[communities]can eliminate even 10% of their grocery list at the market, it makes a big difference,” she says. “If everyone in our community did that, every business would thrive. So while it may not be the most convenient to go and shop at the Farmer’s Market on a busy morning, it really is.” It is important to remember that.
“Once you get there, you realize how amazing it is. And then you walk around in the sun, drinking coffee, going shopping, talking to the people who make the food.” So it’s really important to keep reminding people that it exists.”
To learn more about Get Local Arizona and find your nearest farmers market, visit:
getlocalarizonaevents.com.