Farmer

Farmer’s Market moving to Rice April 3

BY B.J. ALMOND
Rice News staff

While many businesses are farming out work, Rice University is farming in — literally.

The Houston Farmer’s Market that has doing business in the parking lot of Christ the King Lutheran Church across from Rice Stadium will be moving to the Rice campus April 3.

TOMMY LAVERGNE

Each Tuesday from 3:30 to 7 p.m., vendors selling organic produce, baked goods, Texas cheeses, goat milk, honey, hormone-free meats and other specialties will display their products in the parking lot by Entrance 9 on University Boulevard. Rice shuttle buses will make stops there.

”The market had outgrown its space in the church parking lot, and Rice agreed to let the group move across the street as part of the university’s Vision for the Second Century goal of becoming more engaged with the Houston,” said Mark Ditman, associate vice president for housing and dining. The relocation allows space for more vendors and provides maximum visibility to encourage neighborhood participation.

”The mission of the Houston Farmer’s Market is to support local farmers and small-business entrepreneurs, encourage wellness and provide environmentally focused educational programs,” said Ann Swain, Faculty Club director. ”The promotion of agricultural sustainability is timely, and Rice is doing its part to encourage the development and maintenance of farmland for future generations.” Swain said the Faculty Club will use products from the market.

Having the market on campus will give Rice students, faculty and staff another venue for educational forums. For example, environmental groups can set up tables to distribute information about sustainability efforts, and the market will involve the Rice Arboretum for tours and seminars to identify indigenous Texas plants and trees. Swain said Rice chefs might be asked to give cooking demonstrations at the market.

The market already works with a local volunteer organization that develops gardens in low-income school districts to teach children how to grow organic vegetables and the value of healthy nutrition. The market also works with food banks throughout Houston and is committed to the development of solar energy and biodiesel fuels.

The Houston Farmer’s Market does not have to pay for use of the space at Rice, but it is responsible for insurance and post-event cleanup. Patrons can park free near the market during their visit.