Taylor Wilson
Florida Southern will be hosting its first on-campus farmer’s market on Wednesday, Feb. 6 on the patio outside of the Moc Mart from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Based on early responses from FSC students, the event is projected to have a large turnout. The Food Service Department hopes students, faculty and staff will be able to attend and enjoy this addition to on-campus food options.
“I would definitely go to an on-campus farmer’s market,” freshman Phalen DeJarnette said. “I love them, but I always work on Saturday mornings, so I can never go to the one downtown. When I go to farmer’s markets, I usually look for food I can cook-or plants because you’ve gotta have plants.”
The idea for an on-campus farmer’s market emerged during the fall semester at one of the monthly food committee meetings. FSC’s food committee has been actively working to offer healthier dining options for students, and this student-suggested idea fit the bill.
Healthy campus dining options have been a concern at FSC in the past, and the school has worked to improve what is available to students.
Wynee’s Bistro offers a variety of gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options, catering to the different dietary needs of students. They also have breakfast smoothies, a salad bar, and the sandwich-making station, Wrap ‘N Roll.
Tutu’s Cyber Cafe recently added gluten-free bagels, muffins, snack bars and cheese arepas and a packaged meal option. The meal, called the chef’s special, varies day-to-day. Recent options were a steak and mashed potatoes combo and a short rib and penne pasta combo.
“I’m glad FSC has healthy food accommodations, and I think the farmer’s market will be a fresh addition to these,” sophomore Marie Canfield said.
The market will offer various produce options, many of them being from local growers. Cucumbers, yellow squash, corn, green peppers and mushrooms are just a few of the produce items that will be available. A few of the produce providers will be PEXCO Farms in Plant City, Monterey Mushrooms in Zellwood, and J & J Family of Farms in Loxahatchee.
Food Services and SGA have stated that students will be able to pay for their fruits and veggies using meal plan points or Moc Bucks. Instead of having to find alternative transportation to a grocery store or to the downtown farmer’s market, students will have the ability to purchase their produce in between classes without having to use out-of-pocket funds.
“I am hopeful that the college staff and faculty will also support this venture to make it so successful that it becomes a regular monthly event,” Director of Food Services Tim Raible said.
In the case of rain, the location for the farmer’s market will be in the Moc Mart and College Terrace hallway. There will be signs that direct students to the location.