Another study shows the comparative costs of local foods.
This just came in today from the King County farmers market managers group, sharing a recent study on cost comparisons, comparing Seattle area farmers markets to local chain grocery stores. Just to be clear, I value QFC, Whole Foods and PCC (mentioned below) and shop at them regularly for all of the many items they carry and I depend on. However, we are constantly hearing how expensive produce at the markets are, so it is great to have some actual numbers to show otherwise, and that shows the much higher percent of local products as well.
“While you probably know it feels good to be outside ogling the seasons’ first cherries and running into your neighbors, you might not know that you’re also saving money. A group of Seattle University Albers School of Business students took their statistics class on the road this May, and conducted a price comparison of organic produce at local markets.
Although many large grocery chains have been known to use their organic produce as loss-leaders to lure conscientious shoppers, the students found that the Farmers Markets and other local specialty natural foods markets offer far more competitive prices. According to the student report, “The study concluded that prices at the Farmers Market were almost 30 percent lower on average than those at QFC.” The Farmers Markets won in a landslide when it came to comparing sheer variety and number of local products, even in a year where rain has soaked many spring crops. Whole Foods’ and PCC’s organic selections included only 33% and 25% local products, respectively.”
| Item | Farmers Market | PCC | QFC | Whole Foods | Safeway |
| Apples – Gala | $2.49 | $1.99 | $2.99 | $2.99 | $2.99 |
| Chives (1 ounce) | $0.75 | $3.32 | $3.59 | $3.05 | n/a |
| Lettuce – green (head) | $2.00 | $2.49 | $2.99 | $2.49 | n/a |
| Strawberries | $5.00 | $7.98 | $4.99 | $3.99 | $4.99 |
| Radishes | $3.16 | $1.99 | $5.98 | $1.99 | n/a |
| Number of Organic Items Available: | 21+ | 21 | 16 | 20 | 5 |
| Number of Local Items: | 21+ | 7 | 8 | 5 | 2 |