Practical Wisdom From Yesterday's Women: Cut Out The Middle Man

I'm still reading through The American Frugal Housewife, and last told you about not paying for convenience items.  Now, she would say that even shopping at stores is a convenience that costs extra!

"Buy your woollen yarn in quantities from some one in the country, whom you can trust. The thread-stores make profits upon it, of course."
Child, Lydia Maria Francis (2009-10-04). The American Frugal Housewife (Kindle Location 215). Public Domain Books. Kindle Edition. 

These days, there is a lot less people "in the country" that you can go to, but that doesn't mean we are stuck with shopping in stores and letting them reap the profits.

• Shop farmers markets, and look for signs that say "local farmers"  (if they aren't local, chances are they bought it from a store!)
• Find a local farm or co-op.  I know of people buying beef, etc direct from farmers with herds.  I know people who have produce boxes delivered to their door, or someplace nearby.   (I'm interested to find these types of places near Dallas, so if anybody know's of one, please leave a link in the comments).
• If you have room, try growing some of your own food!  I love gardening, but I've not had much luck with the soil at our place.  I've been working on some composting, and plan to give it another try in the Spring.

What are some other ways you've shopped directly instead of from the store?