Farmer's markets offer multiple benefits to the college-aged grocery shopper and lucky for us, there are options all around Los Angeles.
By: Alex Wood -- Staff Writer
Fresh peaches, decadent brownies, assorted trail mixes, and even Greek and Indian Food describe the hodge-podge that was the De Neve Farmers’ Market on Wednesday, October 12, 2011.
After first appearing on campus back in April with a huge turnout, UCLA decided to give the market another try this year, with five more possible markets on the line up for the rest of the school year. The big draw for students is the availability of fresh, local and organic produce that they can snack on en route to class or keep in their backpacks or fridges to complement their on-the-go lifestyle.
The farmers market is a great opportunity to reap unique benefits in shopping. For one, it is a way for students to incorporate healthy choices into their always busy schedules, making it a little easier to avoid the “freshman 15.”
Also, shoppers can sample the produce before they buy it, easing some concern about wasting money if they don’t like the food. This allows students to expand their horizons and try new foods that they might not normally try (after all, isn’t college when everyone goes wild?).
The market is a win-win situation all around; It provides an advantage to local businesses because they are attracting new customers, or at least making a small profit, as well as to students because it is an opportunity to explore healthier options and break from the monotony of eating the same foods offered on campus every day.
If UCLA continued with the farmers markets on campus, we would be a healthier campus altogether and we could even make a difference in our economy. Sure it’s not much, but even a little spending spurs growth and will improve our community…Or at least that’s what economics majors say!
If you enjoyed the farmers market and literally can’t wait until the next one-don’t wait! The Los Angeles area hosts a plethora of farmers market in various locations and on different days of the weeks year round, so one is bound to match up with your schedule. Head down to Westwood where many of the vendors present at the De Neve market camp out every Wednesday from 2-7pm. Or venture out a little farther and experience the Santa Monica Farmer’s market every Wednesday and Sunday mornings. Brentwood, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood all have farmers’ markets and thanks to the internet, all information is online. But if any of them outshines the others, it has got to be Santa Monica’s.
It’s nothing new; Santa Monica has been hosting its weekly farmers market for over twenty years now, filling Arizona Avenue in downtown with locally grown produce, flowers, and the like every Wednesday and Saturday mornings, attracting everyone from renowned chefs, local foodies, flocks of tourists, surfers and beach-goers, and the occasional UCLA student (ok, maybe that was just me). Bright red tomatoes, shiny apples, and a wide variety of pumpkins and gourds speckle the avenue between second and third streets, with produce changing according to the season. But for a freshman new to the Los Angeles area like me (and an aspiring chef, too) the outdoor market was enrapturing. Sure, I’ve been to farmer’s markets before. But in most cities across the nation, they take place in concrete parking lots, not exactly the sort of ambiance that screams “fresh” or “organic.” There is no cool ocean breeze to tickle your nose and instead of hearing the rhythmic beat of the ocean’s waves hitting the shore, you hear the start up of an engine or cars whizzing by. But in this beachfront town, all the factors add up to create a recipe for success, especially for the UCLA student: the sunny weather, mix of people, nearby activities (such as surfing, jogging, shopping, and going to the beach or pier), and close proximity to campus, with easy access via the Big Blue Bus, lines 1,2, or 3. So maybe you’re not a gourmand, and the giant heap of artichokes and the entire tent dedicated to different fresh herbs just doesn’t appeal to you as it does me (not to mention the idea of a ripe, juicy peach just after you’ve finished running along the beach). Anyway, maybe you are the kind of person who says “I bought this meal plan and darn it I’m going to use these swipes!” If that’s the case, then I would like you to see the market in a different light, viewing it as an outdoor bazaar for exotic gifts. Yes, you heard me right-EXOTIC! I’m talking fresh honey still on the comb, perfectly safe, not to mention delicious, for eating (I asked), as well as flower stands, reminiscent of the stalls along the banks of the Seine in Paris, to brighten up your cramped dorm room, surprise that special someone, or kiss up to your TA. Lilacs, sunflowers, roses, they have them all. And who wouldn’t want a dragon fruit-a dragon fruit!!! Have you ever eaten one? Yeah, me neither. Still not convinced? (sigh) Well, at least be a tightwad and go solely for the free samples-pink lady apples, flavored pistachios, and sweet honey from the bees, and then beg with the local homeless for your bus fare to get back to campus.
Alex Wood is a first-year English and political science major. She can be reached at thebruinstandard@gmail.com
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