On September 16th, SEA hosted our first farmer's market on campus. It took place on Liacouras Walk, scheduled from 10-2, but actually ran from 9-5. It was amazingly successful, and all of the participators are eager to come back, and it seems like Temple's population would love for it to return as well. We had five individuals to come out and sell; John King brought Amish goods and fresh fruits and vegetables. He sold out of all of his baked goods. He works at the UPENN market every Thursday, and he said he was impressed with the turnout at Temple, it may have been an even greater volume of students than at Penn, and next time he will definitely bring more goods. Mary Jane sold handmade bags that she weaves together using plastic bags. She sold half of her stock! More than she ever has at any market. Mary Anne sold her homemade vegan baked goods. She had quite an array of goodies at her table when she arrived and sold out by one oclock. Katie makes her own "green zines". She came mostly to people watch, and was quite surprised that she sold a decend amount of her zines! And Jerry brought his homemade jams and pie fillings, of which he sold more than half of his stock. He also brought apples, pears and cider from a local farm, and was able to sell out of cider. I was also representing Joe's coffee. Joe had me sell his fair trade, locally roasted coffee and homemade granola. That was gone by noon, and I had many people come afterwards asking for more coffee.
The Office of Sustainability has offered to fund another farmer's market! We have asked them all to return for Sustainability Day on Wednesday October 22nd from 11-2. And Jerry has offered to come back around the holidays time as well to sell his jams again-great Christmas present for Mom! Thank you everyone who came out to support the farmer's market, especially those that were able to volunteer!
