Auburn College of Education’s O Grows hosts summer farmers market

People in the Auburn area searching for locally grown and produced food items need to look no further than the O Grows Farmers Market, operated by the Auburn College of Education’s O Grows program.

“O Grows manages the farmers market as part of our mission to cultivate food, local relationships and knowledge sharing,” said Sean Forbes, a professor of education psychology in the College of Education.

Forbes started O Grows in Opelika, Alabama, more than 12 years ago when he partnered with his son’s school to establish several garden programs. Today, the program combines research, outreach and instruction through initiatives year-round, including the O Grows summer farmers market. 

The market is held each Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Lee County Courthouse Square in Opelika. It began on May 20 and will run through August 26. Fresh produce, meat, eggs, honey, mushrooms and baked goods are just some of the offerings from local farmers and producers. It is the only state-certified, direct-to-consumer farmers market in Opelika and is the only venue in the city to accept Alabama Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program cards.

Every summer, the market facilitates commerce for over 30 local small businesses, including small farms and value-added producers, and draws over 5,000 resident visits. But the market is about much more than just selling goods.

“Our market is a community education event as much as anything else,” Forbes said.

Students from the College of Education assist with the design and implementation of agricultural and food-based activities offered at the market each week for children from preschool to age six. While the market provides hands-on experience for College of Education students, it also allows for a real impact to be made in the community.

In addition to the farmers market, O Grows promotes community food security year-round by operating the Opelika Community Garden and Youth Programs.

Though the market only runs from May to August, O Grows is making a difference year-round.

Visit their website to learn more about O Grows.