We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Business

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Sunshine Market?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,239
Share

The term “sunshine market” is used in the US state of Hawaii to describe a farmers' market, emphasizing the idea that the market is held in the open air in a pleasant climate. This term is also sometimes used in other tropical and subtropical regions, depending on regional preference and custom. As a general rule, information about local sunshine markets is available from a variety of sources, including places like City Hall and tourist offices.

At a farmers' market, farmers from the surrounding community sell their wares directly to the public. A sunshine market often includes local fishermen as well, since seafood is such a common feature of island living, and locally sourced meats may be available in some cases. Sunshine markets are usually held on a specific day of the week, with the temperate island climate ensuring that produce and fruit are available year-round.

Sunshine markets typically set up on village greens or in other large open spaces to ensure that there is enough room for all the vendors. Vendors may cover their stands with tents, pavilions, or umbrellas to protect themselves and their goods from the direct sun, with guests wandering between aisles of stands to select the foods they wish to purchase. A sunshine market may include prepared food, music, and a space to sit and socialize, turning it into a community hub.

The advantage to shopping at a sunshine market, rather than the grocery store, is that you get to meet the person who produces your food. Farmers can often tell you what they recommend each week, and they may have recipes for unusual foods, or recommendations for how to eat specific foods. Produce, fish, and meat at a sunshine market also tend to be extremely fresh, often harvested that very morning, which can mean that the food is of higher quality, since it has been harvested at its peak and subjected to minimal time in storage and transport.

Rates at a sunshine market can be a bit higher than the grocery store, because the farms tend to be small, and they often try to pay workers a living wage and to grow their food in a sustainable way. Some people feel that the slightly higher rates for food are worth it, because they are supporting local businesses and promoting sustainable agriculture. Sunshine markets can also have the occasional great deal, for those with sharp eyes.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-sunshine-market.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.