Rural Sociology Club holds first campus farmers' market
Published Sept. 17, 2002
From sweet to spicy and yellow to green, a smorgasbord of flavor and color took over part of Hitt Street Monday.
The first Mizzou Farmers' Market was held in front of Memorial Union and was hosted by the Rural Sociology Club. Planning began for the event last fall. The focus behind it was to present students with an awareness of local food production and as a way to personalize their food, said Casi Lock, vice president of the club.
"People think their food just comes in a box," Lock said. "This way students can know the person who grows their food."
MU granted permission for the club to bring in 10 local vendors. The club was able to have seven come in, all active members of the Columbia Farmers' Market. The vendors said they were pleased with the turnout and glad to be part of the event.
"I think it's an excellent idea," said honey vendor Gabe Bourbeau. "It encourages students to buy food outside of the grocery store."
Vendors at the market sold honey, eggs, beef, goat cheese and produce including tomatoes, peppers, beans and pumpkins. Prices ranged from about 50 cents to $3 for items. The farmers' market will run again from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 25.