Agricultural department sells Truman farm produce on the Quad
Market on the Mall is a new and accessible way for students to purchase local farm-fresh produce grown and sold by Truman students and faculty. The mall is open every Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and a rotating selection of produce will be available for negotiable prices on the quad.
Market on the Mall is organized by Josh Kraft, assistant professor of agricultural sciences, and students passionate about the farm. Graduate student Haley VanDyke is one of the students who helps run the stand.
“Our goal is to sell fresh, sustainable agriculture to students at affordable prices, making sure everyone gets nice, nutritional food in a way that’s budget-friendly for college students,” VanDyke said.
The stand sells a variety of foods that have been growing since the summer months. Junior Ava Hagen, who helps run the stand alongside VanDyke, said student workers are responsible for growing, maintaining and harvesting farm produce. Hagen said she and other student workers began growing a variety of seasonal produce, from acorn squash to flowers.
To keep the stand budget-friendly, Market on the Mall allows students to bargain the prices. VanDyke said the items do have set prices, but if some produce items were smaller than the others, students can discuss purchasing those items at a lower price. VanDyke said the stand also provides free samples to gauge interest.
“It’s really affordable,” Kraft said. “If you’re really hurting for funds and you need food, we’re more than happy to help people out like that.”
The profits the stand makes return to the farm to support students’ farm endeavors. Kraft said the fund supports future agricultural student activities. Hagen said agriculture students’ capstones include an agricultural project selected by students. Profits made from the capstone project get recycled back into the farm for other students’ capstone projects.
“We currently got a [community supported agriculture] going, [which is] another one of those student capstone projects,” Kraft said. “It’s an opportunity for students to come out and volunteer at the farm for a couple hours a week. And in return, you get a basket of free food at the end of the week. That’s open to everyone regardless of what school you’re in or what your major is. We really want to bring people out to the farms. It’s a good resource, and I think Truman students need to understand they’re allowed out there too because there’s a lot of fun stuff.”
VanDyke said she wants more students to explore and utilize the farm’s benefits. Students are allowed to explore the farm at any time, as the farm is not only for agriculture students. Market on the Mall will be open until the end of the growing season. VanDyke said the earliest the market will close may be in November.
