MACKENZIE HOWE | staff writer

Farmers markets are a great source of fresh produce for students trying to save money and experience community.

“Open-air markets exist to provide small businesses and farmers with an opportunity to come together and sell their products.

They also give large cities a sense of community, often showcasing local performers.

“Farmers markets are great for college students because they’re cheaper and healthier,” said freshman psychology major, Lindsay Hartford said.

In a world where everything we consume from the grocery store affects laborers in other countries, farmers’ markets are imperative because we aren’t contributing to mass demand and unjust labor.

We can purchase fair trade or local products, instead.

The West Covina farmers market on Saturday mornings is one of the smaller ones.

It has mostly fruits, vegetables, and some home made crafts such as the wooden birdhouses made by Dick Littlefield.

He began making the houses out of old wood from the fence in his back yard.

When asked how he discovered this hobby, Littlefield chuckled and said, “I retired!”

“It’s just a friendly atmosphere,” co-owner of ‘Sweet Lou’s Spices’ at the San Dimas farmers market Bonnie Singleton said.

Her husband Lou Singleton has been creating his own spices since they retired 15 years ago, and the couple sells them at local markets.

They prefer the Monrovia market on friday nights because it has over 200 vendors.

“We know our product is fresh, and we know its all natural,” says Bonnie of their MSG-free spices.

At the San Dimas farmers market on Wednesday nights, beekeeper Gilbert Smith sells his honey and bee pollen.

His has been working with bees in the Los Angeles area since 1975 and said he’s seen a tremendous decrease in bees over the last few years.

Smith’s personal collection has gone from 400 to 100 bees.

He is very passionate about finding the reason bees are becoming so scarce, and changing that.

“[Farmers markets] create less greenhouse gasses, use less fossil fuel, and its fresher,” says Smith.

He isn’t sure as to why the bees are scarce but he and fellow beekeepers use this local outlet to inform people of the issue.

Buying from a farmers market has its advantages: you know your money is going to a local family or business and you know your product is from the area.
You know everything is fresh.

And besides, you get good music, and sites while you shop.

“The tamales are the best and the music is great,” said local, Tina Villarreal, who has been attending the San Dimas farmers market for over a decade.

When asked why farmers markets benefit college communities, junior youth ministries major, Kari Bidwell replied, “I would say because its fresher produce and supports smaller farmers.”

So next time you want something to do, or need some good food, head to a local farmers market.