Aramark CorporationFarmers markets have been sprouting up on college campuses across the United States – in part because they connect students to fresh, seasonal produce as well as local vendors and their unique products. The markets also offer students a sense of fun and community.
“So many of our campuses have really embraced the idea of seasonal markets as a way to connect students to local farms and partners,” explains Deb Parnigoni, Vice President of Marketing, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. “Insights from College and University 2024 Datassential surveys show that students place a high value on the addition of a farmer’s market and rank it as a top five choice for additional dining options on campus.”
The following are just a few examples of how university students are experiencing seasonal farmers markets on campuses across the country.
FAIRFIELD UNIVERSITY, CONNECTICUT
Stags Hospitality Farmers Market
In coordination with the Fairfield University Student Association, Stags Hospitality puts together a market outside the main dining hall, which features everything from local baked goods and coffee to local apples, apple cider, cheese, and honey all produced within 50 miles of Fairfield, CT. They’ve even set up decorate-your-own mini-pumpkin events in the fall.
“The University welcomes collaboration with Stags Hospitality and our student government. We are happy to support these events and appreciate the time and hard work that goes into them. We always look forward to what is coming next.”
– David W. Frassinelli, Vice President, Facilities, Campus and Auxiliary Services, Fairfield University.
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
C’ville Market
Short for Charlottesville, the C’ville Market at UVA draws local businesses to campus and provides food and fun to students, who can pay with UVA Dine Flex Dollars or credit/debit via Grubhub.
FORDHAM UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK
Ram Hospitality Farmers Markets
Even in the heart of NYC, students can access fresh, local produce (grown less than 250 miles from campus) monthly throughout the academic year. For $5, students can fill a bag with healthy, seasonal fruits and vegetables at markets at Fordham.
UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT
UHart Farmers Market in Commons
The UHart Dining team stocks a market full of fresh, seasonal items popular with students. From local staples like maple syrup, honey, and marinated mozzarella—to seasonal treats like berry crisps, pumpkin cheesecake cones, and pimiento cheese—the team sprinkles in homegrown concepts with local produce. They have even offered produce boxes with attached recipes to inspire students to make their own dishes.
WILLIAM & MARY, VIRGINIA
Williamsburg Farmers Market
With such a vibrant community market so close to campus, all the Aramark team at William & Mary had to do was make it easier for students to shop there. Tokens sold on campus can be used at any vendor at the Saturday Williamsburg Farmers Market where more than 40 vendors offer local products, including fresh seasonal produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, honey, cheese, cut flowers, and handmade soap. The market also accepts W&M Dining Dollars and Express, along with EBT/SNAP.
WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
Market on the Avenue
The WKU Market on the Avenue is a pop-up outdoor farmers market hosted by the WKU Office of Sustainability and WKU Restaurant Group (Aramark). The monthly market offers items from local farmers, vendors, and food trucks. Petting and feeding alpacas and bunnies from a nearby farm offers students a lot of fun (and a little stress relief).
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