Greetings from the Market at 15th and High

Jaime Moore of Wayward Seed Farms stops by the WexBlog to talk about the Market at 15th and High and supporting local foods in the central Ohio area.

With market season well under way, we're reminded of how diverse and blessed Ohio is. Fruits and vegetables, meat and cheese, eggs and dairy—Ohio has it all. We're blessed with artisan producers of breads and jams, baked goods and vegan burgers, soaps and teas. And it's all right here at The Market at 15th and High.

It's been nine weeks since we kicked off the Market at 15th and High, and in those weeks, we've seen a growth in both vendors and customers. While I'm not surprised by the response of those who work at the Wexner Center, I am absolutely delighted by the overwhelming support of the students. The students are discerning customers, asking lots of questions and having a great amount of concern for where their food is grown and to what standards. It's encouraging to know that students have moved beyond the frozen food aisles and into fresh, local food that's grown with an emphasis on sustainable practices. And it's more encouraging to think about what their discernment will mean for our future.

Lots of customers have asked, "Why a market here?" The answer is simple: Access. From the beginning, our focus has been on expanding the community and university's access to fresh, local produce and artisan goods. Access and awareness are the two most important elements to changing our local food system, and both Ohio State and the Wexner Center are taking strides of support through the Market at 15th and High.

We invite you to stop by, visit with a farmer or a producer, and learn more about where your food comes from. Know when and where it was picked and how far it traveled. Is it organic, all natural? Why have the farmers chosen these varieties over others? Please ask questions, and ask lots of them.

Thank you all for your support. We'll see you at the market!

Watch Jaime and the Wexner Center director of Education, Shelly Casto, discuss the Market at 15th and High in a live webchat from July 23.