Andrea at the farmers market.

What does it mean to buy “local”? How does a food product become “organic”? What is the difference between an “heirloom” tomato and a “commercial” tomato? These were just a few of the questions first-year CEHD students were encouraged to ask local growers at a recent visit to one of several farmers’ markets in downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The market visit was a requirement for PsTL 1525W – Multidisciplinary Ways of Knowing, a First Year Inquiry course required of all new CEHD students offered for the first time this semester and focused on the theme “Can One Person Make a Difference?” The section taught by Murray Jensen, Gary Peter, and Mike Stebleton challenges students to think about food concepts through the lens of different disciplines – including biological sciences, law, literature, psychology, and sociology.

Casey feeding a goat.

Students were asked to visit one of the markets on a Saturday in September. There were several outcomes and learning objectives for the project. Students explored differences between local foods and commercialized products, observed customers and vendors using participant observation skills, and assessed the impact of community in an urban environment. Students also considered the concept of “third place” and its connection to public engagement and informal associations. A good “third place,” according to sociologist Ray Oldenburg, is an environment – separate from home and work – that serves as a “home away from home” where individuals feel a sense of interpersonal connection and place. The students were encouraged to observe how a local farmers’ market can potentially serve as an enriching third place for both customers and vendors.

Joey at Mill City Farmers Market.

Following the visit, students completed an assignment that required them to integrate their farmers’ market experiences with in-class discussions and concepts covered in scholarly articles. Some students also took pictures to document their observations. For many of the students, the project introduced them to a new urban experience – including taking the 16A metro bus to the Mill City Farmers’ Market near the new Guthrie Theater.

What did the students say about their visit?
Here are some excerpts from their follow up assignments:

Katie with a vendor.

“I learned that third places still exist, even in huge cities. Another important thing I learned was the differences between local foods that are home grown and commercialized products that are handled through many different businesses before being put on the shelf. By participating in this activity I was forced to learn how to get to downtown Minneapolis by bus, and I also got to see what other opportunities are down there such as entertainment.”

Emma enjoying the farmers market.

“I learned what a farmers’ market is actually like and that so many difference products are offered there. I also learned about informal association and how important it is to have that and have an area to go to as a third place. By talking to the man who was selling cheese, I learned that it takes years, sometimes four or five, to produce the sheep cheese he was selling.”

Vendor at farmers market.

“I learned a lot about the sociological aspect of the farmers’ as a social observer as well as a shopper. I began to understand how a farmer’s market could make a great third place, even though I did not experience the informal associations as much as I observed it. My roommate and I have decided to go to a farmer’s market next week to prepare a fresh meal for our friends on the floor made entirely out of local produce and good(s) from the market. This exercise has also converted me to a farmer’s market shopper for life because of the quality of food and the great social interaction that can occur.”

Hillary at Mill City Farmers Market.

“I learned that it really helps to talk to the vendors about the food they are selling. One vendor even told me how to cook butternut squash, which is a favorite of mine.”