Now that snow has officially graced the lands of our local population, it can be hard to imagine picking up fresh fruits and veggies from a farmers' market. While walking across the street from East Campus to the grocery options like Harris Teeter and Whole Foods is convenient, it often leaves our standards unsatisfied and our wallets empty. One could find themselves searching through aisles for hours, awed by the newest soda variations or Lays potato-chip flavors. However, with this purchasing power comes responsibility.
Many may feel like their Whole Foods habits can save the world, but the majority of its products are still flown in from places far, far away. The overwhelming plethora of products to consume makes dieting, fads, and access to food you couldn't possibly live without—avocados—seem extremely easy. However, many of us are aware of the many labors, processes and packaging that come before an item hits the shelves. Because of this, many who desire truly fresh, organic produce are left questioning what other options we have here at Duke.
That’s where the farmers' markets come in. I find it hard to believe that with the largest campus in the country and a Duke farm all to ourselves we would lack in access to fresh, local foods. But, in fact, we are the only campus in our region that does not hold a on-site farmers market all year round.
Thankfully, our friends in Durham have helped to solve this problem. I've provided a variety of food markets near Duke to help meet your everyday needs, all year round…just remember to bring cash!
Durham Farmers' Market — 501 Foster Street
The Durham Farmers Market is held every Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. - noon (December through March from 10 a.m. to noon), year-round at Durham Central Park. The market is the primary tenant of the park, creating a lively community surrounded by other local events. On Saturdays, you can have a day enjoying this market alongside nearby Hunt Street Market—a local food truck market, or the Durham Craft Market, all located in short walking vicinity.
South Durham Farmers’ Market — Greenwood Commons Shopping Center
For those who have trouble remembering cash, this market could be your go-to. More and more vendors have begun to accept credit cards, making this more like a grocery store than ever before. This market is open year-round, rain or shine, every Saturday from 9 a.m. - noon. This nearby market also hosts local musicians, breakfast vendors and alternative events that make it an enjoyable place to spend your Saturday mornings. If you're interested in volunteering or a sustainability-minded internship, SDFM could help with that, too.
Durham Roots Farmers' Market — Northgate Mall, outside Stadium 10 Theater
The Durham Roots Market is another local effort to promote food strictly grown or raised in Durham, in an effort to connect the rural neighborhood to urban and rural community farms and gardens. At this large producer-serving market you can find all the groceries you need while supporting local urban farmer, community or cooperative gardens and traditional farmers. Right now the market is undergoing changes, but will reopen in April. The space will be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon. The market is currently in search of community members willing to volunteer. If you’re interested contact durhamrootsfm@gmail.com for more information.
Raleigh Farmers' Market - 2 West Denton Street
While this market is more of a venture from the Duke hub, the 30-minute commute could be worth the access to the freshest and largest variety of produce and plants in the area. The 30,000 square foot space is open year-round, every day of the week. On Sundays the market is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. while Monday through Saturday the hours are 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. This market supplies most of the wholesale to the supermarkets we visit, but can be bought by individuals before hitting the wider market. This is one of four markets in the state owned by the state of North Carolina and operated by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Because of this, the market offers prime produce, prices and restaurants. A visit to one of these large markets is a must-do while living in North Carolina.
Hopefully with more awareness, Duke students can aid in supporting local growers and creators by shopping at any of the markets listed above. If none of them suit your style or needs, feel free to look into alternative options like those held at N.C. State or Wake Forest. While large-scale groceries seem quick and convenient, a trip to one of these earthy options may become your new favorite method for de-stressing, getting involved with the community, or just peaking your head out of the Duke bubble.
Eliza Grace is a Trinity junior. Her column, "the green wave," runs on alternate Thursdays.
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