East Lansing at first glance seems like the typical college town, complete with an attractive mile long street that offers city goers with a variety of chain restaurants. While these restaurants are all great options, a part of the East Lansing community that many college student's have yet to experience is within walking distance of the university's beautiful campus. The East Lansing Farmer's Market located on Valley Court is what has been sustaining city locals and Michigan State University counterparts for the past seven years.
East Lansing Farmer's Market has a very unique feature that makes it different than most competing markets in the area. "Our policy of 100% Homegrown is really what makes us different. Our market is newer than the majority of the markets around which allowed us to pick and choose what we liked and what we didn't," Heather Surface, East Lansing's Market Manager for the past two years said. "One thing that we place value and importance on is that everything our vendors bring be homegrown or locally made. Sometimes this means not having as wide a selection as other places but sticking to our motto of 100% homegrown is that important to us."
For many people, the market has become a place for one stop shopping. The prices for produce at the market tend to run cheaper than many of the chain grocery stores in the area.
By supporting local and family owned produce, the City of East Lansing has seen its positive improvements both economically and socially. "I believe the Farmer's Market has impacted the community in many positive ways. The most recognizable way though is the sense of community. Many of the patrons of the market walk or ride bikes to the market," Surface said and she has the facts to prove it. "A survey that we asked customers to fill out at the end of the 2015 season showed that the majority of visitors came from between 5 blocks and 3 miles away. What's more interesting is that people seem to come down for more than shopping and groceries. People are coming down to meet their friends and catch-up with them as well."
The market's communal experience is able to continually grow because of it's supportive local business vendors, shoppers, and talented managment like Surface. "I think my favorite part of being the manager is getting to know all the vendors. Obviously, their main goal is for their personal businesses to succeed but it never ceases to amaze me how much they want the market and their fellow vendors to succeed as well. We all work hard to make sure we all succeed. Yet another example of the type of community the market encourages," Surface said.
Surface recommends some great tips for first time visitors to the market, "Many of our vendors have unique wares. I'd recommend making a lap around as soon as you get to the market, just to check things out. Don't buy anything that round (except maybe a companion cup of coffee). Get to know the vendors, where they come from, why they do what they do, etc. They all have interesting stories. Then, do your second lap and buy everything you need and want. Using this method you'll learn who has the best prices, flavors, stories, etc. and you'll be able to purchase what you like based on your own values better."
Don't miss out on the free live music, fresh and locally grown produce, and plenty of sweet tastes treats! The 2016 East Lansing Farmer's Market will continue to take place until Sunday October 30th 2016 every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Valley Court Park, 280 Valley Court, (located right behind Biggby Coffee on Grand River). Spread the word, take a stroll off the beaten path and discover what it means to be apart of the East Lansing community.
