The food sector is constantly reformulating, adjusting to technological changes, consumer needs, trends and habits. In recent years the local food system approach applied in rural development has gained much popularity. Consuming locally produced food is not only a matter of health care or fashion, but also environmental protection, sustainable rural development or identification with tradition and cultural heritage. In this study, local food systems have been reviewed explaining the significance of short supply chains and direct sale. The main part of the article aims to focus on open-air markets in Poland as the most popular form of direct sale. The arguments presented in this article indicate that open-air trade has a positive effect on the development of local food markets and the local economy as a whole.