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"Oh it's certainly increased, certainly increased," said market coordinator Manish Shah. "I think that [for] most of the vendors that we talk about, this year is better than last year and it has been a steady increase."

Shah attributes the increase to a growing awareness of healthier options, particularly organic produce that is free of pesticides.

The number of farmers markets nationwide has increased by more than 16 percent since 2009.

But shoppers who are willing to pay more than twice for produce at markers than they would at national grocery chains say its their way to give back to their community.

"They're using local foods, "said Kendra Sudano, a farmers market shopper. "It just helps to really contribute to our local economy so more of our dollars stay here in Tucson."

This contribution to the local Tucson economy has not only attracted shoppers to the market, but also students at the University of Arizona.

University of Arizona's Students in Free Enterprise noticed the financial effects and has initiated efforts to keep the local markets successful.

"When you buy locally, forty percent of the money that you spend is reinvested into the economy, whereas when you buy from a national chain, only ten percent is," said Rebecca Robertson, Students in Free Enterprise Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations Chair.

At a time when many businesses are just trying to stay afloat, this is certainly one area of Tucson's economy that is just beginning to ripen.