Columnist Leah Keiter writes about why shopping at the farmers market is about more than just getting fresh food.
Spring has finally sprung in Athens, which (hopefully) means warm weather and sunshine will bring students out of their winter hiding places. For some reason — which may or may not be swimsuit season related — warmer weather always motivates me to try to eat better, healthier foods, and one of the best places to do that in Athens is at the farmers market.
The farmers market has been an Athens staple since the early '70s, thanks to employees of the Athens Soil and Water Conservation District and a little help from Athens’ mayor at the time. What began with three vegetable growers now boasts upward of 50 vendors on a busy day, selling everything from classic locally grown fruits and veggies to beeswax candles, artisan cheeses and beautiful flowers. There is also a huge collection of sweets, from tarts to pies and everything in between.
Part of the reason I think the farmers market is so successful in Athens is because it is inspired by the same ideas of local support and community as other Athens' favorites, like Casa Nueva (a market vendor, not surprisingly) with its 30 Mile Meal.
All of the products from the farmers market are local — the market defines this as within a 150-mile radius of Athens — and some of the fruits and vegetables are grown organically and without the use of any hormones or pesticides. In addition to showing love to local ingredients, shopping at the farmers market helps to stimulate Athens’ local economy and encourages students to interact with other community members, like the vendors at the market.
Something interesting about local farming specifically in Athens County is that although parts of the Appalachian region might be known for bountiful soil and resources, this is not the case in the Athens area. We live in a place where soil and resources alike are scarce, which means that most farmers and growers who participate in the farmers market are attracted to Athens County as a growing area because it is good for small farms or the production of specialty items versus large-scale farming.
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As many readers know, Athens County is one of the poorest counties in Ohio, and believe it or not, the inexpensive price of land that can come from the soil and resource situation has brought many farmers to the area who need support from members of the university and outside community alike to continue to thrive.
University students and faculty actually make up a huge segment of the farmers market’s shoppers, partially because they have a high concentration of wealth compared to some other members of Athens County.
Although I’m sure it could flourish on the merits of the quality of food and other products alone, the farmers market in Athens has the benefit of being in a central, easily accessible location — 1000 E. State St., in the parking lot outside of the mall right next to Texas Roadhouse.
On a sunny Saturday morning, the farmers market is the perfect place to walk around outside for a bit and get a glimpse of some of the finest things the Athens community has to offer, with the added benefit of getting you off the drunk food diet (even if only for a day).
Leah Keiter is a junior studying journalism. Have you been to the Athens Farmers Market? Email her at lk969912@ohio.edu.
