September 21, 2009
Where at St. John’s can you buy organic fruits and vegetables,
delicious homemade jams and beautiful handmade accessories?
At the Farmer’s Market on the Great Lawn of St. John’s University’s
Queen’s campus. On September 15, local farmers, artisans and fair
trade merchants set up shop to sell their locally grown and
handmade items and educate the University community on the
importance of a holistic lifestyle to one’s health.
Photo Gallery
Inspired by a farmer’s market she attended at her alma
mater, Helayna Herschkorn, a graduate assistant in the Department
of Multicultural Affairs, introduced the idea of having a farmer’s
market at St. John’s and invited the vendors from as close as
Astoria to as far away as Cutchogue, Long Island, to
participate.
“Given the success of the farmer's market on SUNY Purchase’s small
campus, I was excited to see how successful it would be on a large
campus like St. John's. It was so satisfying to see the final
product - the weather was on our side and we had such a great
turnout. Everyone has been asking to make it a regular
event!”
The vendors included Arbonne
International, Handcrafting
Justice, Meredith’s
Bread and Wickham’s
Fruit Farm, among others. Many students and faculty enjoyed
their purchases on the Great Lawn or saved them to cook with
later.
“Having a farmer’s market on campus is very convenient. I like
being able to buy organic apples or unique jewelry without having
to travel too far,” said Christine Zazzera, sophomore in St. John’s
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, “Plus everything being sold
here is fresh, so it’s very healthy.”
Although it was St. John’s first farmer’s market, it
certainly is not the last, “There will be another farmer’s market
in October with pumpkins, baked goods and apple cider! Check the
University’s event calendar for details and updates,” advises
Helayna.
For more information about Multicultural Student Affairs, which
sponsored the Farmer’s Market, please visit their
website. For more information about health and wellness at St.
John’s please visit the Student Wellness web
site.