USC Farmers Market: Here’s What to Expect
by: Natalie Tom
Living in a big city like LA, it’s easy to forget that California alone produces half of the nation’s vegetables and three-fourths of the country’s fruits. Farmers markets, like the one at USC, are a great way to access to fresh produce. Growers are able to harvest their crops at peak ripeness, as produce doesn’t need to be shipped long distances or stored for weeks before being sold. Not to mention, buying produce here cuts down on carbon emissions from transportation and waste from packaging. Similar incentives apply for the food booths at the farmers market. You get to take a break from the dining hall while supporting local businesses.
Student Health
If you’re not looking to spend any money, or want to learn more about what Student Health has to offer, stop by the tent next to the big inflatable dog! There, you can get a free banana, a prize from the Plinko board, and health resources. Additionally, there are always WHOA’s (Well-being and Health Outreach Ambassadors) to answer questions you may have or direct you to the 24/7 wellness number. The WHOAs have pamphlets and information on everything from healthy eating to thriving relationships. Stop by the Student Health table to learn more about these resources. There are so many underutilized services that are free for USC students!
Using EBT at Farmers Market
Many booths at the farmers market accept EBT. SNAP, EBT, and food stamps are all part of the same government food assistance program. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is the official name for the system, previously known as food stamps. EBT refers to the card (similar to a debit card) that you can use your SNAP benefits with. Your acceptance to the program and the amount of EBT you receive depends on your personal circumstance and is not guaranteed.
To learn how to apply, visit CalBenefits and/or USC Student Basic Needs.
Grocery Shopping Tips
Buying groceries for the week can be daunting, especially if you are just starting to cook for yourself. However, with social media and online recipes, eating a balanced diet doesn’t have to be as difficult as it seems.
Like you may have learned in elementary school, each of your meals should contain amounts of each food group: vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, and dairy. This amount varies for each person, but the MyPlate visual is a helpful guide.
Fruits and protein should each take up a little under a quarter of your plate, while grains and vegetables should each take up a little over a quarter.
Fruits: Whole fruits that contain fiber, not just juice
Vegetables: Try to have a variety of colors when it comes to vegetables (Spinach, broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes)
Protein: Lean meats, beans, soy products, nuts, seafood
Grains: At least half of your daily grains should be whole grains, like brown rice or whole-wheat bread
Dairy: Fat-free milk, yogurt, cheese
When it comes to putting these ingredients together, recipe planning apps can help you plan out your meals and save online recipes.Some apps even create grocery lists for you, so you don’t have to make them yourself. If you want recipe inspo, check out this Trojan 360 article. It has ideas from hummus, to tuna salads, to overnight oats that are all quick and budget friendly. Additionally, check out the Student Health cookbook for more recipes and the Trojan Food Pantry for additional food recipes.
Eating healthy is beneficial for both your brain and body. When you eat a balanced diet, your brain is able to function properly and your mood is more regulated. Additionally, eating well can prevent sickness, which is crucial as a student.
Visiting the USC farmer’s market is a great way to hang out with friends in between classes, pick up produce to meal prep later, and try some delicious dishes from the food stalls. Alongside the food stalls and produce tents, there is also a jewelry booth, the occasional brand popup, and USC Student Health resources! It is open most Wednesdays from 11:30am to 1:00pm in McCarthy Quad. Supporting local businesses is supporting our community and our environment, while giving you an opportunity to experience different cuisines and a lively campus atmosphere.
Additionally, USC Student Basic Needs provides food support resources such as the Trojan Food Pantry at Kings Hall (free groceries and essentials) and emergency meal swipe program. These are not meant to replace but rather supplement student’s primary food sources, nor is there guaranteed access. USC Student Health Call Center also provides 24/7 support at (213) 740-9355.
