Junior communication major Madison Chauvin worked as a vendor at the Farmer’s Market that was held on campus. Chauvin sold freshly baked pies to those who came to her table. The pies were made by her grandma Frances Chauvin. 
The Lion's Roar/William Schmidt 

Reconnect supported local farmers and the economy by hosting the first Farmer’s Market of the semester with over 15 vendors. 

“The main purpose of the Farmer’s Market is to bring fresh, local, healthy food to campus, just to give the students something other than Taco Bell, MOOYAH, but fresh and sustainable,” said Alexis Taylor, a senior management major. 

The Farmer’s Market took place on Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students were glad to have the chance to support the surrounding area while having the option to purchase a variety of products. 

“We are supporting local businesses and farmers and I really support that,” said TyBracia Gibson, a freshman chemistry major. “I actually love the variety of vendors. I love this jam I bought because it is homemade. They have earrings. You can get jewelry. I just love everything about it.”

One vendor from Mandeville, Louisiana started his own business, Sacred Earth Bars, and is currently working with the Pennington in order to sell his product at Pride Café. According to Sacred Earth Bars owner James Knapp, he worked at creating a granola bar that is not only delicious, but also nutritious. 

“Nutritious in the ways of the medicinal benefits,” said Knapp. “Meaning a lot of medicinal herbs, multiple servings between bars. As far as delicious, you would be surprised. In Southeast Louisiana, a lot of our customers were shocked when they tasted these because they taste amazing, all natural ingredients and you feel good as well.”

Knapp was happy with the turnout for the Farmer’s Market and was pleased for the students who were willing to try his granola bars.

“You look at it, they are a bit off putting because they are very green,” said Knapp. “Some people ask, ‘Do we eat this.’ Yes, you absolutely eat this and they try them and 95 percent of the time, they are surprised and I am glad that they tried them. Today has been a great and very successful day. This isn’t fast food, it is hand crafted and it is an entire meal crafted into every bar.”

Reconnect’s Treasurer Emma Larmann picked up fresh produce in order to give students another option while browsing the Farmer’s Market. 

“My main role was, first I had to pick up all the produce this morning,” said Larmann, a senior management major. “I got to drive to Covey Rise Farms which is absolutely beautiful. It is about 30 minutes north of here. I got to check out the farm, talk to some of the workers there and pick-up some fresh produce that was picked today to sell at the Farmer’s Market.”

The Farmer’s Market had vendors selling items such as earrings, beef jerky, all natural popsicles, jams, pottery and one table that gave students henna tattoos. Reconnect member Taylor was glad for the reaction of the students as well as having a chance to help nearby residents. 

“We like to support the local economy by supporting the local farmers,” said Taylor. “We like to promote healthy foods and we like to do products with all-natural, no GMOs, chemical free, all that kind of stuff. The crowd has been outstanding so far. I think the students like the variety and it has been crowded all day. I talked to several students and they seemed to enjoy it. Everyone I’ve talked to has bought at least two different things. The music has also brought more students.”

For more information about Sacred Earth Bars, visit their website at sacredearthbars.com. 

“We have a lot of information on there, there is also links to ask questions and our email is [email protected],” said Knapp. “We love questions. One of our core values is to educate the community. It is a big part of what we do so we encourage questions and we get a lot of them to.”

To get involved with the Reconnect Sustainability Club, attend a meeting every Wednesday at 5 p.m. in Fayard Hall Room 303. To learn more about Reconnect or the Farmer’s Market, you can email Taylor at [email protected] or call her at 402-672-4564.

Reconnect will host two more Farmer’s Markets this semester on the third Wednesday in October and November. Student vendors who register will have no table fee allowing them to keep all profits. Also, contact Taylor if students would like to volunteer to help out at the next Farmer’s Market.

Emily Wilcox is one of two people providing henna for those attending the Farmer’s Market that took place on Sept. 21.
The Lion's Roar/William Schmidt 

Sacred Earth Bars owner James Knapp sells his nutritious granola bars at Southeastern’s  Farmer’s Market. 
The Lion's Roar/William Schmidt 

Guitarist Byron Daniel provides entertainment at the Farmer's Market. 
The Lion's Roar/William Schmidt

Alumnus Stephanie Travis lets those at the Farmer’s Market sample her homemade jams.
The Lion's Roar/William Schmidt