By Sarah Frazer || Staff Writer
Last week, F&M’s Environmental Action Alliance hosted a workshop to promote sustainability and, specifically, to teach students how they could shop sustainably and locally in as affordable a way as possible. EAA invited multiple speakers to inform students about sources of locally grown produce and other food. These sustainable sources include Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), Lemon Street Market, EAA’s Fair Trade Cafe, and Central Market.
CSA is a program through Fresh Farms Cooperative that provides a way for consumers to buy locally and sustainably grown food. By purchasing food through CSA, which brings fresh food orders right to campus, students can support local, small scale farmers, while also promoting sustainability. CSA offers different size shares and various food options. For instance, students can sign up to receive vegetables, meat, bread, or vegan products on a weekly basis. Some students may buy a CSA share together, or on their own.
The shares are available seasonally, and it is not too late to purchase a winter share. Several students order CSA shares during summer months if they remain on campus, as it can be easier than shopping at Giant once a week. A new feature of the CSA program is that students can now select to be on a payment plan, rather than paying for all the food upfront.
Another option for students looking for locally grown, sustainable products is Lemon Street Market, which, as the name suggests, is located on Lemon Street, a short walk from campus. At this shop, which has been open for five years, customers can buy a variety of products, many of which are locally grown, organic, sustainable, or fair trade. These products include food, home goods, and toiletries such as toothpaste and soap. Additionally, products like grains are available in bulk, and the locally grown vegetables sold there are always in season.
Students can support sustainability efforts by buying lunch from EAA’s Fair Trade Cafe every Wednesday from 11:30a.m. to 1:00p.m. For $4.00, students can get freshly made soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. EAA buys the ingredients for the lunch from local sellers, including from Central Market, another source of locally grown food.
Central Market in downtown Lancaster is an affordable place to get produce, meat, and other tasty food. It is open every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday morning and is a great way to support the Lancaster community. Restaurants in Lancaster buy local food as well; there are so many ways to buy and eat local in Lancaster.
In the coming weeks, EAA will be hosting multiple workshops to teach students about sustainability, including one on February 24th, at which students will learn how to make eco-friendly appetizers. These events are opportunities for students to gain information on how to be more sustainable and get free food!
Sophomore Sarah Frazer is a staff writer. Her email is sfrazer@fandm.edu.