Farmer’s market still a possibility for
UCLA
I am writing to correct a statement made by Jenny Wood in the
Daily Bruin on May 17 (“Positive change lies in Students
First! vote”). Wood comments that it is unlikely that
Southland Farmers’ Market Association would be interested in
offering a certified farmers’ market on the UCLA campus
because of the high cost and the association’s work to revive
the Westwood Village Farmers’ Market.
In fact, Southland would be interested in offering a
farmers’ market on the UCLA campus, regardless of the initial
cost. While we still hope to bring back the Westwood Village
Farmers’ Market, there is no reason a community the size of
the UCLA campus could not support a market specially geared to the
needs of UCLA students and staff.
Southland has recently entered into an agreement with the Los
Angeles Unified School District to bring farmers’ markets to
LAUSD campuses to offer healthier eating choices, promote a greater
sense of community, and help local farmers survive in an
increasingly global agricultural industry.
We at Southland would welcome the opportunity to bring the
benefits of farm-fresh, California-grown produce to the students,
staff and faculty of UCLA.
Howell Tumlin
Executive director, Southland Farmers’ Market
Association