The East Lansing Farmers Market, or ELFM, welcomed ‘Spartan Appreciation Day’ on Sunday morning. ‘Spartan Appreciation Day’ was meant to recognize the city’s special relationship with Michigan State University and welcome students to the community.
The first 100 Spartans to attend the ELFM got a free tote bag along with a $2 coupon to spend at any ELFM vendor. Individuals who attended the event were welcomed in with light music to set the tone of a day at the market.
Horticulture junior Amber Lesher has been coming to the farmers market since she moved to the area in August.
“(It’s) something I look forward to every Sunday," Lesher said.
A newer face to the ELFM is human development and family studies sophomore Grace Lambert.
“It gets the community together and it … bridges the gap between college students and local businesses," Lambert said.
Lesher also said she loves to support small businesses and sees each vendor as an individual small business.
Another newbie to the ELFM was international relations senior Taylor Boulward, who said an event like 'Spartan Appreciation Day' helps create a sense of community in the area.
“I think it brings the community together. Especially in times that things are not so great it helps bring the community together," Boulward said.
Horticulture junior Allison Voneida said she loves to come to the market at least a couple times a semester to pick up her favorite produce.
Voneida said the prices are reasonable for fresh produce and sourcing locally is an amazing way to know exactly where the food you eat comes from.
“It gets people out there and … you get to meet people and you get to try fresh produce," Lesher said.
Spartans across the market said the farmers markets creates a sense of community to students who might feel overwhelmed in such a large school, as well as allowing for weekly routines or consistency while dealing with an unfamiliar environment for new students.
The East Lansing Farmers Market prides itself on being 100% Michigan grown and runs from June through October each year. Vendors are required to grow their own produce or make their own product, which allows customers to enjoy local Michigan goods.
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