Are you the “Go-To” person?

Every weekend as I peruse the walkways at the farmers’ market, I marvel at the number of bright, energetic people who have left their homes to walk the aisles and pick through our fresh produce. I am impressed by the dedication of our customers, who return week after week rather than settling for the air-conditioned comfort of regular grocery stores. I find myself filled with probing questions: What motivates anyone to shop at farmers’ markets? Particularly, what inspires our first-time customers to come out in 100 degree temperatures to visit us?

I believe we all do reconnaissance to gain the insights we need, and I have asked several shoppers to divulge their motivations to me. How did you hear about the market? Are you a visitor to Tucson and have come to check it out? Do you regularly shop farmers’ markets? What keeps you coming back week after week?

After speaking to many customers, the answer is clear: most of our customers were referred to us by friends or relatives. We trust our companions to let us know what’s happening around town and what activities to do on any given weekend day. Fortunately, many of us are becoming more conscious of the ways that healthful products can improve our lives, and we are motivated by a desire to take charge of our lives and the well-being of our families and homes. And so people continue to come to the market, rain or shine, hot or cold, and they tell their friends to do the same.

If you are that “go-to” person who talks to your friends and neighbors about the farmers’ market, eagerly introducing them to your favorite vendors, we want to give you a BIG HUG! Thanks for caring about your community and supporting all those families who work hard to bring you the freshest possible produce, meats, and eggs.

For those of you who haven’t visited the markets, please do–and next time, bring a friend!