Fall is here, and did you know the District has over 50 farmers markets offering fresh produce almost weekly? Farmers markets are a great way to support local businesses and eat healthy, and the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) is committed to making your shopping experience is safer and fair.
DLCP‘s Office of Weights and Measures (W&M) work to ensure local markets are properly registered, with calibrated scales, to fairly charge you for your fresh produce.
Shopping at farmers markets can offer great benefits, however, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you explore the farmers markets throughout the district:
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Always shop at licensed farmers markets. If you’re unsure where to find them, see our helpful map here.
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Verify the price of the item you’re purchasing with the vendor or seller.
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Pay only for the product and not its packaging. For example, make sure the scale weighs only the produce and does not include the weight of the container.
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Check your receipt to be certain the unit price aligns with the weight and quantity of your purchase.
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Make sure your fresh fruits and vegetables are sold by the proper method. You can check the helpful DLCP W&M Guide here
DLCP’s Office of Weights and Measures serves residents, visitors, and merchants by ensuring fresh fruits, vegetables, and fuel are weighed by a National Type Evaluation Program approved device. DLCP’s Office of W&M’s also helps ensure customers do not pay for what they can’t eat, and all fruits and vegetables are charged based on the correct weight, count, head or bunch, or dry measure.
The District’s farmers markets are for all District residents, and visitors, and all markets accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Women, Infant and Child Program (WIC), Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), Senior FMNP, and Produce Plus. You can also receive dollar-for-dollar match at Fresh Farm markets through their Fresh Match program. Enjoy the vibrancy of the District’s neighborhoods and visit your nearest farmer's market.
If you believe a merchant overcharged you, you did not receive the quality/quantity advertised/paid for, or have another complaint, you may submit a complaint to the DLCP Office of Weights and Measures.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact [email protected] or (202) 671-4500.