Wednesday morning, with the crisp onset of fall in the air, vendors from all over the Western New York area filled their tables with fresh vegetables, home baked pies, sausages and jams in The Commons for what was to be the first of a weekly event.
Small businesses from Batavia, Buffalo and Friendship were helping to kick off the new and highly anticipated Campus Farmer's Market, which will now be held every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
It didn't take long for students to notice the overflowing stands full of delicious produce.
Nancy Bryant, a merchant from the Southern tier, said that the event was a good opportunity for local businesses to reach the college population.
"This is great, I had to get involved in this," she said. "It's a different option with different and younger clientele."
According to philosophy professor and event organizer Paul Penner, the idea for a farmer's market initially came about as a means to raise money for graduate programs in the UB Philosophy Department. The plan quickly evolved into an event that would both help out local farmers and acknowledge the community.
"Not only do the students have access to something they normally would not have on campus, but we are also giving back to local farmers in Western New York," he said.
Students certainly seemed to appreciate the availability of food not habitually served up in a cafeteria setting.
"This is the only healthy food on campus!" said Megan Winchek, a junior psychology major.
Wednesday's premier event also gave a promising forecast for returning shoppers.
"It's very inexpensive, not to mention it helps the local growers," said Matt DeSantis, a junior undecided major. "We'll definitely be back next week."
Penner was grateful that he even had the chance to begin the program on campus. University and New York State laws normally prohibit outside vendors from being on campus grounds, but The Commons is privately owned by First Amherst Development.
"We couldn't have done this without the cooperation of First Amherst Development," he said.
Theresa Monacelli, Assistant Chair to the Graduate Department of Literature was more than pleased with the market.
"The campus is changing," she said. "We want to have a connection with the community rather than patronize the campus Burger King."
Monacelli was on hand to spread the news about State Employees Federal Appeal, which is the only authorized charitable solicitor of state employees. Monacelli was taking donations to give to the United Way.
In keeping with the growing and earth theme of the market, plant bulbs were given in return for a contribution to the Federal Appeal.
Monacelli's charity was not the only program open for donations. One vendor had a table set up with special breads and cookies, the proceeds going towards providing Thanksgiving dinners to needy families in WNY.
Word spread quickly of the new event at the Commons, and within a half hour the market was bustling. UB Alumnus Paul Lehman, who now works for the Niagara County Cornell Cooperative Extension, came by to offer his support.
"I can't wait to recruit some of my farmers from Niagara County for this," said Paul Lehman, UB Alumnus. "I'm pleased with the traffic here - this will be beneficial to so many."
More vendors will be added in the coming weeks. Professor Penner also plans to allow student organizations to set up tables in the market to help fundraise for their own activities during the semester.
