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Local farmers markets receive support from college students
As farmers markets grow across Southwest Virginia, college students show support by purchasing goods and partnering with their markets.
By Samantha Hill
College students pay attention to the food they consume to avoid the dreaded freshman 15. Now, they also choose to consume food farmed, harvested and sold locally.
The number of farmers markets has been rising for years. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, there were 1,755 farmers markets recognized by the National Directory of Farmers Markets in 1994. As of August 2014, the number of markets climbed to 8,268.
According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Southwest Virginia has 48 farmers markets, some of which are in college towns.
Salem, Va., Sept. 30 -- Seasonal goods: Bill Greenwood brings fall must-haves to the City of Salem Farmers Market. Photo: Samantha Hill.
The Blacksburg Farmers Market has a healthy relationship with college students. Ellen Stewart, the market’s director, says roughly 300 to 400 students come to the market on Saturdays. She says they come for service learning activities, for coursework and even to sell goods.
Virginia Tech honors student Jessica Shultz conducted research in 2010 examining the environmental impact of shipping food and how it related to consumer preference. Her study found that participants preferred local broccoli, the more environmentally friendly choice, based on taste.
On the business front, Stewart says design students will sell their own crafts and goods at the market. Also, some students set up their own businesses on the side. She says students came together to form a grilled cheese stand at the market.
In Salem, Roanoke College students also support their farmers market. Laura Reilly, Market Director at the City of Salem Farmers Market, says 40 to 50 college students visit the market on Fridays and Saturdays.
“We have a steady, loyal stream of college students,” Reilly says.
Reilly also says Salem Farmers Market will partner with Roanoke College’s Garden Club to make a community garden near the market. The garden will be used to feed the less fortunate in the community.
Though Roanoke College events bring parents and students to the market, Reilly hopes students will become even more involved with the farmers market.
Salem, Va., Oct. 1 -- Class break: College students stop by the Blacksburg Farmers Market between their Wednesday classes. Photo: Samantha Hill.