Tufts students can now enjoy fresh, locally grown produce at a new, weekly on−campus farmers' market.
The market, held at the Mayer Campus Center lower patio from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday, is a collaborative project between Dining Services and two local initiatives that assist economically disadvantaged individuals in getting a fresh start through commercial farming.
Farmers from the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project rely on volunteers from the United Teen Equality Center (UTEC) in Lowell to transport and sell their array of seasonal vegetables, fruits and baked goods at the market, according to New Entry Project Director Jennifer Hashley.
The market allows students to experiment with varied types of foods, Director of Dining and Business Services Patti Klos said.
"I'm particularly thrilled to bring a wide variety of fresh produce to students who want to cook for themselves," Klos said. "I hope that by presenting recipes and food demonstrations, we might entice students to try things that they have not been exposed to."
The wide range of produce available includes corn, carrots, lettuce, potatoes, heirloom tomatoes, squash, leeks, green onions, peppers, cherries, apples and cantaloupe. The market also sells flowers, honey, baked goods and gelato. Vendors will feature demonstrations of various recipes and goods every week, according to Klos.
New Entry, founded in 1998 by the Agriculture, Food and Environment Program of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, helps underprivileged individuals acquire the skills and resources they need to become successful farmers and start their own farms in Massachusetts.
"We work with multicultural individuals all over the world and the United States who want to do commercial farming and help them approach farming as businesses to sustain themselves," Hashley said.
UTEC Lowell's Fresh Roots Program, which exposes high school students from Massachusetts to aspects of sustainable farming, is the other organization involved in the farmers' market, according to UTEC Workforce Development Director Derek Mitchell.
UTEC provides support to young people who are susceptible to violence and self−destructive behaviors by advocating social change through diverse youth development and grassroots organizing programs.
Most of the New Entry farms are located in Lowell, UTEC's home, Hashley said.
UTEC offers teens from low−income families stable housing, a support network and opportunities to acquire transferable skills, Mitchell said.
Additionally, the positive interactions between Tufts students and UTEC's teen volunteers are important in raising the teens' self−esteem, which Mitchell called critical in helping the youths recognize their own potential.
Tufts' Medford/Somerville and Boston campuses are two of 11 distribution sites where New Entry delivers produce weekly, according to Hashley.
New Entry also leases farmland for up to three years and gives farmers assistance during their transition to farming.
"Part of the mission is also to promote farming and maintain viable farming businesses so as to prevent farmlands from going into development," she said.
The farmers' market highlights the existing connection between New Entry and the Tufts curriculum, from research and internships with New Entry to coursework and discussions in biology and nutrition classes, according to Hashley.
