Homegrown Alabama, a student organization that hosts farmer’s markets to promote local produce and farmers, will celebrate its 10th season in April.
The organization will host its first market Thursday, April 16, and the markets will continue every Thursday through October. The markets last from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Canterbury Chapel Episcopal Church.
“Local food is more nutritious because it’s not traveling across the world,” said Mary Clay Kline, a market manager for Homegrown Alabama. “It’s important for students to take advantage of that.”
Kline said Homegrown Alabama is an important organization because it allows students to develop relationships with local farmers and their community members. Most of the farmers who participate are located within a 100-mile radius of Tuscaloosa, she said.
“It’s a convenient weekly thing that gives students an opportunity to know where their food is coming from,” said Julie Buzzard, who handles social media for Homegrown Alabama.
The United States’ view on healthy eating is becoming more prominent, which makes Homegrown Alabama an ideal opportunity for students to form healthier eating habits, Buzzard said.
Additionally, Homegrown provides a sense of community for students.
“It’s a really good bridge,” Buzzard said. “Lot’s of students and community leaders show up to the markets,”
Homegrown Alabama is currently accepting volunteers for the market. Interested individuals can email [email protected] or sign up on SLPro, and will be expected to attend a meeting held later this semester. Any questions can also be sent to [email protected].
