Local farmers bring their brightest, freshest, sweetest and juiciest produce to LaVell Edwards Stadium Farmers’ Market every Thursday so the community can take it home and make real home-cooked and home-grown goods.
Autumn Cabb, a freshman majoring in studio arts, goes to the farmers’ market every week.
“I go because the food tastes better and fresher,” Cabb said. ” You can’t buy that at a regular grocery store.”
BYU’s farmers’ market is held in the south stadium parking lot from 3 pm to dusk and has about 13 farmers in attendance.
Farmers’ markets not only benefit the farmer and consumer, but also the community. It helps promote nutrition education, better food preparation and wholesome eating habits, as well as boosting the community’s economy.
[/media-credit]“Buying at farmers’ markets helps promote sustainability and self-sufficiency among the community,” said Rachel Hodson, co-publisher and owner of Edible Wasatch magazine. “It keeps money and at the same time you’re employing your neighbors rather than someone in a distant land.”
Edible Wasatch magazine explains the importance of buying locally grown food and wants the community to know where their food comes from.
“Our mission is to inspire readers to explore our regional food system and support local producers, restaurants and related businesses by voting with their forks,” Hodson said.
Farmers are now extending their business and allowing the community to do U-Picks and buy directly from the farmer.
“U-Picks allow farmers to cut down the labor cost, making it generally cheaper and it’s a fun thing to do with the family,” Hodson said.
The Smithson family walked 5 minutes to the BYU farmers’ market Thursday and bought 10 pounds of onions for only $3.
Utah has more than 10 U-Pick sites and 40 farmers’ markets. BYU’s farmers’ markets allow students to obtain fresh fruit as close as their nearest grocery store.
Amanda Reynolds, BYU farmers’ market supervisor, said, “Coming to the farmers’ market gives you the opportunity to interact with farmers, ask questions about how things are grown and when they pick and it gives you more personal time with farmers.”
In addition to fruits and vegetables, the BYU’s farmers’ market has bakers, other food vendors and homemade crafts.
Reynolds said, “Rain or shine, we’ll be there!”
