Having a Whole Foods market right on Fullerton fulfills the dreams of many  students looking to eat organic, healthy foods while in college. But at a price they need? Forget about it.

Luckily, Whole Foods isn’t the only market in the area where students can buy fresh produce.

Farmers markets in Chicago offer an enjoyable way for people to get the healthy produce they need at a much more affordable price.

While some may only associate farmers markets with the summer months, fall is also an important season for produce.

In the Midwest, you can find  fresh basil, broccoli, squash, apples and pumpkins in season during the fall.

Farmers markets provide greens grown in locations close to the Chicago area, not shipped and frozen from across the country. Buyers know exactly what they’re getting.

Most of the time, the farmers sell their own produce at farmers markets and are eager to talk to patrons about their locally grown food.

Jim Armstrong of Armstrong Farms sells his produce at the Southport Farmers Market on Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Armstrong Farms is located approximately 45 minutes from the city in Will County.

Nowadays food gets shipped in from all over the world, and Armstrong wants to help people recognize that local produce hasn’t disappeared completely.

“We get a good response from the people,” Armstrong said, referring to the Southport location. “We just want to be able to reach more people. We want to get local food to the table.”

Jimmy Dotson of Dotson’s Farms works with his brother and others to sell their produce at eight markets per week, both in the city and in the suburbs.

Dotson’s Farms can be found at the Lincoln Square Farmers Markets on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and with quite a large tent as well. Dotson’s Farms produce is locally grown in Beecher, Illinois, about one hour and a half south of Chicago.

DePaul professor Tim Mazurek, who works in the Office for Academic Advising Support, attends one to two farmers markets per week for fresh produce during the growing seasons.

“I think (farmers markets) are always going to be slightly more expensive in Chicago than your average grocery store,” Mazurek said. “I don’t know that they’re more expensive than Whole Foods, but I think what you’re getting in exchange is food that tastes better.”

Mazurek said that even though eating healthy might come with a pricetag, the healthy  benefits and quality of freshness regarding fresh market food make the added cost worth it.

The products at farmers markets “tend to be grown locally. I think the shorter time from it being in the field to being in your kitchen just makes it taste better, which is great ,” he said.

Mazurek said the more frequently someone attends a farmers market, the better  relationship between consumer and farmer. If a student is buying a handful of groceries, a farmer who knows them might be more willing to throw in a box of peppers for free.

Another way to get some good market deals is to go at the end of the market before all the vendors pack up and go home.

Bargaining can be easier at these times because farmers do not want to take everything they did not sell back home with them. Bruised fruits and vegetables will likely taste just the same and be a little bit cheaper.

Mazurek also said buyers  can ask to buy just a few peaches from a box of 10. Three peaches is always cheaper than 10 peaches, especially if you can’t eat them all by yourself before they go bad.

Outdoor markets make grocery shopping fun, not just a chore. Many vendors provide shoppers with free samples, and there is usually lots to look at aside from solely produce.

Many markets also sell baked goods and packaged items such as soup mixes, jams, jellies and honey. Live music also plays a part in the atmosphere of farmers markets around town.

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With fresh produce from farmers markets, it becomes very simple to recreate your favorite recipes. Rather than baking an apple pie with regular, store bought apples, substitute fresh farmers market apples such as Granny Smiths or McIntoshs.

Farmers markets can also function as great places to get fall decorations. With pumpkin season in full swing, look to farmers markets for plump, carving pumpkins in orange and white.

Additionally, tiny squash act as the perfect accent to any table during the fall. They can even be bought in bulk to decorate a n entire room.

Universities around the city take part in exploring fresh food options around the city.

The University of Chicago offered trolleys and tote bags for students to attend the 61st Street Farmers Market last year, as detailed on the UChicago Spoon University website.

The 61st Street Farmers Market occurs year round, moving indoors from November to April, which allows everyone to get their fresh fix during the wintertime. The market takes place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 61st Street and Dorchester Avenue.

Next time your friend suggests a trip to Whole Foods to pick up some groceries on a Saturday morning, keep Chicago farmers markets in mind. Both your wallet and your tastebuds will thank you.