Locally Grown

East Lansing Farmer's Market brings fresh produce to the community.

By Katie Dalebout

The average college student's kitchen is likely to have beer, Hot Pockets, or frozen pizza on hand—not fresh organic produce. But for psychology senior Sarah Vedolich, locally grown organic green peppers and apples filled her kitchen this fall. The first season of the East Lansing Farmer's Market made trading usual college staples for fresh locally grown food a more common occurrence.

Vedolich said, "Buying locally is important; I like to do it but as a college student it's not always possible for me, and the market's location made it possible—you could get fresh stuff for a decent price."

The market, located just feet away from MSU's campus in Valley Court Park, 201 Hillside Court, takes place Sundays from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. from early July to late October. The new market features a diverse selection of fresh Michigan-grown produce, baked goods, meat and fish, and an inviting atmosphere.

"The farmer's market committee decided the location had to be visible and accessible for students and residents and we choose [to hold it on] Sundays so as not to interfere with other city organizations or parking," said market manager Michelle Carlson. "We loved the fun park-like setting where people could just come to play."

In addition to its diverse vendors, the market features local musicians and promotes community development by allowing residents to get to know each other as well as the farmers and vendors. Carlson said the atmosphere was just as important as the products.

"My favorite thing was that every week there was something new: fruits, flowers, baked goods," Carlson said. "Throughout the summer and fall you could just see the abundance and that was really exciting knowing it all was from Michigan."

Advertising junior Nick Halfhill said, "You aren't just paying for the food, you are paying for the experience. You get to meet exactly who is growing your food, so it cuts out the middleman."

The market's friendly atmosphere attracted residents, students, and vendors to Valley Court for many consecutive Sundays, a tradition that began centuries ago. MSU geography professor Catherine Yansa said markets have been occurring since the Roman Empire, allowing for entertainment, camaraderie, as well as shopping. "There is a sense of history in farmers markets. It's more than just the economic and health benefits—it's fun too," Yansa said.

The East Lansing Farmer's Market's friendly atmosphere extended past the shoppers and reached the vendors as well. Sheila Rae, a vendor, said, "It was fun interacting between vendors. At some markets vendors get a feeling like 'this is my area' and make it competitive, but not in East Lansing because we were all so diverse—we even made friendships."
Rae, a former teacher and nutritional speaker, is the founder of Bizzy Lizzy Bakery, a flourless bakery that specializes in a tasty high fiber, high protein meal replacement breakfast cookie, which can be toasted. One of two bakeries in the East Lansing market, Bizzy Lizzy Bakery uses entirely Michigan-grown ingredients.

Keeping the market local was crucial for the planning committee and manager. When deciding on its vendors, market planners looked for unique Michigan-made products that people would keep people coming back. The diverse group of vendors includes Michigan produce growers, Great Lakes fish, and local wild flowers, as well as some local business selling their Michigan made products.

"Buying locally is important for the environment since American's food usually travels 1,500 miles, producing carbon dioxide emissions. By buying locally you keep money in local hands and are supporting Michigan farmers," Yansa said. "And its tastes better because it is fresher. A lot is sacrificed for genetic engineering and shelf life."

With the importance of local eating becoming prominent, the idea for a new farmers market in the area was well received. Carlson said, "The city had a market in the early 90s but it didn't work out and closed, so it's been in the back of people's mind. We met with different stake holders and other markets so it didn't fail this time."

The city's second farmer's market attempt was far from a failure. The market was received well by both students and residents and is on track for another year. "Community members love it, even the idea of it—they miss it. I have people coming up to me asking where they can buy their produce since they don't want to go to the grocery store because they got used to the market," Carlson said.

Seasoned vendors said the first-time market was well organized and profitable. "We're very picky about markets because we've been to good and bad but this one is awesome. We gave up other events for this one—I was impressed across the board," Rae said. "The coordinators were there and helped. Finding market managers like this one has makes for a great market."

"It's great East Lansing has a market now. This makes buying local fresh food an option for students because in the stores food is about quantity not quality and it should be the opposite," Yansa said.

Staying Around East Lansing this Summer? Check out the East Lansing Farmer's Market website for more information at http://www.cityofeastlansing.com/FarmersMarket.