MSU Farmstand: Farm-fresh foods in a convenient location

Sometimes, eating locally isn’t always the most convenient option.

Despite the nutritional & evironmental benefits, there are often much closer places to shop for produce.

This is especially difficult for students and community members around the McMaster community. With many large grocery stores around the area, it is sometimes not as practical to look for local food sources. Particularly for students, with limited transportation options, busy and sporadic schedules, and oftentimes limited financial resources.

Mac Farmstand looks to tackle this problem, by providing a local food experience right here on campus.  Aiming to provide farm-fresh goods for students, faculty and staff, Farmstand operates every week April-November between 11am and 4pm at the McMaster University Student Centre.

Through this process, Farmstand hopes to increase the awareness of healthy nutrition, culinary literacy and sustainable food systems.

The pop-up shop sells a variety of produce ranging from strawberries, green onions, Bac Choy, Portobello mushrooms, and a number of other farm-fresh products. The shop also sells baked goods and jams from a variety of local shops around Hamilton.

Farmstand hopes to increase the awareness of healthy nutrition, culinary literacy and sustainable food systems

Farmstand’s part-time manager explains the biggest misconception about the local goods is the affordability. Oftentimes, individuals are discouraged from purchasing local goods as it is easy to assume prices are much higher. Shailee explains in her interview here at CFMU, that the prices could be much more affordable they individuals may expect.

You can find more information about hours, goods and general local food education on the MSU website or their Facebook page.