‘A big win for everybody’: Wildcat Market gives UK students free, locally sourced food

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 27, 2024) — From the Wildcat Market, University of Kentucky students took home fresh produce, flowers and increased knowledge about sustainable agriculture and locally grown foods.

Thanks to a collaboration among the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Community Supported Agriculture (UK-CSA), the Student Activities Board (SAB) and the Student Government Association (SGA), nearly 800 students picked up free produce on Sept. 11.

Now in its third year, the Wildcat Market featured $10,000 worth of USDA-certified organic produce from the UK Horticulture Research Farm. Each of the 22 items was given a price, and each student could “spend” $12.

“It is important to connect students to locally grown food to help them understand the food system better and the seasonality of produce; it is a learning experience,” said Kristi Durbin, UK-CSA manager at Martin-Gatton CAFE. “We also see a value in challenging students to try new foods and become exposed to the rich diversity of locally grown products. Students eating locally supports our local food economy and connects students to the place where their food comes from and the people who grew it.”

Planning begins nearly a year in advance and takes “a very large collaborative effort,” said Cayla Barreiro, SAB director of campus engagement. UK-CSA, SGA and SAB debrief from the previous market, determine the budget and decide what items should be available the following year.

At the 100-acre UK Horticulture Research Farm, Durbin and her team begin planting in January for the market. Durbin said they select items that will be easy for students to prepare and consume. Common items like tomatoes and lettuce will always be available, but Durbin also wants students to try new things.

“We want to bring a variety and let the students feel like they have a choice,” she said.

Last year, the 50 bouquets were a hit, so this year, 124 bouquets were available. Durbin also brought value-added products like popcorn and garlic powder for students to pack into their free Wildcat Market tote bags.

“It’s like you’re going to a real farmers market in terms of what you’re seeing,” Barreiro said.

Students in the farm apprenticeship course for students in the Martin-Gatton CAFE sustainable agriculture (SAG) program assist Durbin in harvesting and volunteering at the market.

Parker Noe, a senior majoring in community and leadership development with a SAG minor, said he and his classmates were harvesting by about the third class of the semester.

“It’s cool to see hard work culminate in something like this,” Noe said. “We’re getting rewarded, and so is everyone else.”

Cylvia Baskin, a computer science student in the UK Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, came to the market looking for potatoes for her meal preps. She left with an onion and a watermelon as well.

“It’s a way to get the resources if you couldn’t. It’s nice to know there are healthier options,” Baskin said. “I love a good market.”

Kate Latham, SAB assistant director, said Wildcat Market is “a big win for everybody.

“It’s fantastic,” she said. “Every year it gets better.”

To learn about joining UK-CSA or its farm stands, visit https://sustainableag.ca.uky.edu/csa.