Are you planning to visit the Hillsboro Farmers’ Markets? Would you like to know some cool shopping hacks that you can use while you’re at the markets? We’ve got you covered! Here are our top 10 tips that you can use to make the most out of your visit.

Timing is Key

If you are looking to pick the freshest of produce and like choosing from a variety of options, we suggest you arrive early to the markets. You might find it a little less crowded and a lot more comfortable to shop. However, if you’re looking to score some deals and discounts, shopping closer to the closing time might be your best bet since the vendors might be willing to sell their unsold produce at lower prices.

To refer to our market times and locations click here.

Take a Look Around

Take a stroll through the booths once you arrive at the market. It will help get you a general sense of the products and prices at various booths and help you plan your purchases in a better manner.

Ask Questions

One of the advantages of shopping at the farmers’ markets is that you can get all the relevant information right from the source. Make the most of your visit by inquiring farmers about their farming practices, tasting samples, scoring tips and tricks to identify the freshest produce and learning how to properly prepare and store it.
To learn more about how to store and use your purchased produce please visit our blog.

Shop Smart

The following hacks might come in handy during your next visit.

1. Make heavier purchases towards the end of your trip so you don't have to carry them around the entire time.

2. Bring reusable bags/ containers- They are generally more sturdy and convenient to use when you plan on carrying multiple items, not to mention environmentally friendly.

3. Check out a wagon from the information booth if you need help carrying multiple items to your car. Please note that wagons are available only at our Downtown Hillsboro Saturday Farmers’ Market location.

Get Cash

It is best to keep some cash when you’re planning to visit the farmers market. It can come in handy when dealing with vendors not accepting credit cards or checks and can also help you stick to your budget when you’re tempted to make an impulse purchase.

Alternatively, you may use your credit/debit cards at our information booth to exchange for market tokens or use cash while making the purchase.
For further details about the tokens, click here.

Check us Out!

We are constantly engaging with our customers on various digital platforms to share the latest market info, tips & tricks, exciting contests, and giveaways. Make sure you follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and check out our blog to keep up with the latest updates.

Inquire About Our SNAP and Veteran Match Programs

Are you a veteran or a SNAP recipient? If so, then you’d be pleased to know about our SNAP/Veteran Match Program. We are proud to host programs that match customer purchases up to $10 for the amazing produce and products found at our markets. We can provide these programs through the generous support of sponsorships and grants.

SNAP Match

Market shoppers using an Oregon Trail card are eligible for our SNAP Match program. Through sponsor donations, we are able to match up to the first $10 spent per customer per market.

Veterans Match

Hillsboro veterans have the opportunity to spread their food budget further through our Veteran’s Match program. It’s a small token of thanks from us to you for your service to our country. Through sponsor donations, we are able to match up to the first $5 spent per customer per market.

To avail these perks please visit the information booth at the markets and to know further details please click here.

Be Prepared

Checking the weather before making your visit can help you be better prepared and make your visit a more pleasant one. Consider dressing in layers, carrying an umbrella, wearing comfortable footwear, bringing a water bottle along, based on whatever the weather demands.

Buy in Bulk

Some vendors might be willing to offer a discount if you buy in large quantities. Consider preserving the produce that you don’t plan to use within the next couple of days to increase the shelf life of your purchase. Some common preservation methods include freezing, drying, canning, making jams and sauces etc. So if there is anything you plan to stock up on, now would be the time!

To know how you can preserve various fruits and vegetables, refer to our blog.

Experiment!

One of the best things about farmers’ markets is that you can try out and purchase a plethora of unique products that you might not usually find at the local grocery stores. From different varieties of your favorite produce - purple asparagus to golden beets, to carnivorous plants and homemade sauces, it’s a good idea to keep an open mind when you come to shop at Hillsboro Farmers’ Markets.