Fairfield food economy

A statistical analysis of the data I collected from the Grinnell and Fairfield Farmers’ Markets. See my more detailed write-ups of the two markets (“A profile of the Grinnell Farmers’ Market” and “A profile of the Fairfield Farmers’ Market) in earlier blogs for more information.

The Vendors

Total number of stations:

• Grinnell: 27
• Fairfield: 23

Total number of vendors:

• Grinnell: 34
• Fairfield: 37

Gender of Vendors:

• Grinnell: 41% male, 59% female

The Fairfield Farmers’ Market is held every Wednesday from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM, and every Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The market season starts on the first Saturday of May and end on the last Saturday of October. Like the Grinnell market, most vendors at the Fairfield market sell produce and baked goods, with a few selling homemade crafts, flowers, jams, etc. Unlike the Grinnell market, foods to eat on site (Crepes, egg rolls, wraps) are an important part of Fairfield’s market. This is part of a crucial difference between the two markets: the Fairfield market is a social place. Whereas at the Grinnell market, buyers immediately leave after finding what they want, shoppers at the Fairfield market tend to stick around. Many shoppers buy lunch at the market, and sit down to eat it while chatting with fellow buyers. Many children play on the playground next to the market while the parents shop and socialize. Shopping at the Fairfield farmers’ market can be seen as much more of an entire “experience” than shopping at Grinnell’s market.