Oh yeah, I’m often buying for one, and if strangers have to pick up after me because I can’t carry it all? That’s a sign I’ve gone too far.

My favorite source of insider info is market staff, volunteers, and the vendors themselves. They love to talk about the food at the market (if they aren’t swamped with customers) and may have hot tips and other interesting info.

Another inspiring trend in local food is markets that are matching purchases made with food stamps. In Oregon, unfortunately, nearly 1 in 5 are using food stamps, and almost 40% are kids. Supporting our neighbors to fill that need with fresh local food - and support our local farmers - feels pretty good in tough times.

I don’t know of a national list of programs, but more and more markets have them. Several in the Portland area do, including Portland Farmers Market Match Program, Hollywood, Lents, Forest Grove, and others.