When I ask you to think about where you grocery shop what are your first thoughts?
A large chain? Bright lights? Vinyl tile? Big Displays?
Ringing any bells???
Years ago, when I first began shopping for our groceries as a new wifey (and someone who had NEVER lived on her own- mind you) I didn’t put much thought into where I shopped or what I bought. This mindset quickly evolved and even though there was a big chain supermarket within walking distance from our apartment; I chose to drive 15 minutes down the road to Sunflower Farmers Market, the store that changed the way I shop. I learned to make healthier decisions and to take a better look into what we were putting in our bodies. It really changed what I valued in my grocer.
During our stint in WA and we had the luxury of local farmers who grew everything it seemed AND we could pick our food ourselves. This was something I had never experienced before. I began to better understand the intimate relationship that some farmers had with their soil, nutrients, and quality of produce that they were growing. This made me value integrity in farming, and made me seek to find others who upheld that standard.
Upon our return to AZ, I was at a loss for where to shop. I lived too far from my beloved Sunflower Market, there were very few farmers markets nearby and they were only open at impractical times for our family. There were other big natural markets but they now resembled their supermarket counterparts… I was disheartened. That was until I found Power Road Farmers Market.
I am serious when I say that I love this place. You will not find a local market with a more loving and dedicated crew. TJ and Julie have been running their family owned store (located on the East side of Power between Elliot and Warner) in this location for over 10 years. They provide great foods and service at wonderful prices. They support our local economy by serving as a retail outlet for many local vendors AND even go the extra mile to help those entrepreneurs go from concept to production to sales. They always choose local produce first when buying for the store, although they are limited by what is available each season. TJ takes great care to make sure he is providing quality produce at competitive prices.
I have to say that as a mother there is nothing so sweet as hearing my son ask if we can, “Go to the Farmers Market, please Mama.” Of course, this also is the child who asks to go see the cows and get milk too. 🙂
I know that for some of you faithful SMB readers Power Road Farmers Market is a very far drive from you, but for those of you out in the East Valley- you MUST stop by at least once to check it out. You won’t regret it.
Thank you TJ and Julie for providing MY family with great food, good prices, excellent customer service, and wonderful memories (like when we got to share a Mexican Coke with our son for the first time) over the past year!
What I am dying to know from you all is….Where is it that YOU shop and why do you shop there?
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Jess Fischer is a Phoenix native who is happily married to her very best friend Lukas. She has two beautiful babies (15 ½ months apart!!) her son Parker and her daughter Piper. She has a love for most things domestic- be it cooking, sewing, crafting, or gardening although she has never enjoyed cleaning (oh well!) She loves saving money and views it as a game that she is constantly trying to win. She enjoys spending time with her family above all else. She recently started her own business and loves keeping friends and family up to date with her life on her family blog.
