I conducted education at the Auburn Farmers Co-op Market for markets five and six. This market has a small, but close knit community of vendors. I have learned a lot about the importance of relationship building while interacting with these vendors, lessons which are applicable to my current campus work in community organizing and my future work in public health.
Farmers markets are socially driven and maintained. Just as there is variety in the produce sold at each booth, the market fosters a variety of social dynamics, functioning as its own ecosystem. Each vendor has their own loyal customer base, which they always greet by name and have established a consistent sale schedule with. These relationships are pivotal, as they further connect individuals with the food they consume, the local economic system, and the land they live on. Also, it provides socialization for elders, a proven pillar in health for aging populations.
Showing up early, offering help during setup, and always using market-sourced produce for my recipe demos are aspects of relationship building I have witnessed success with. Returning to this market to provide education often allows me to build trust with these farmers and their customers, making the experience much more valuable than markets that I am less connected with. I genuinely enjoy the company of these farmers and hearing their stories. They teach me about their produce and the land I occupy, and they share their harvest in exchange for consistency and authenticity. I leave these markets feeling incredibly fulfilled and thankful.
