Vegan alternatives at Organic Fresh Market

Photo by Lauren Bana/FIUSM

Lauren Bana/Staff Writer 

Every Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., FIU hosts the Organic Fresh Market in the MMC campus. They serve a vast array of fruits, vegetables, and both vegan and vegetarian treats. People will flock to the tables at the market in hopes of attaining some healthy organic fare, and simultaneously treating themselves to a delicious treat!

My experiences with the market have been incredibly inviting, and it has become an even more exciting event since I became a vegan. I always anticipate discovering what new kinds of vegan foods they have prepared.

In my visits, I have purchased both vegan pumpkin bread and a delectable vegan cupcake. Both treats were exquisite, and, in my opinion, quite fairly priced.

Since I became a vegan, I have had a bit of a difficult time with eating in public places. I will usually have to bring a packed lunch for myself, and a couple of snacks. The market has certainly made it much easier to enjoy fresh snacks on campus that haven’t been melting and sweating in my book bag for a few hours.

I have also had several vegetarian and non-vegetarian friends who have indulged in what the market has to offer, and they have all responded positively. Not only has the farmer’s market been an extremely helpful tool for vegans and vegetarians, but it has also become a great way for non-vegetarians/vegans to dabble in a different dietary lifestyle.

The people running the market are representatives earning money for clubs like GlobeMed.

According to their website, “students [partnered with GlobeMed] have raised over half a million dollars to support community-driven public health initiatives worldwide, improving the lives of people living in poverty.”

The market is not only benefitting the health of FIU students and faculty, but it is also helping the world’s poverty with the money being earned.

GlobeMed representative and treasurer, Danielle Taylor, junior biology major, stated that the farmer’s market “gives you an opportunity to try healthier alternatives even if you are not a vegan or vegetarian.”

I truly believe that people need to incorporate more organic foods in their diets, excluding weight loss as a factor. It is important for us as human beings to make sure we are not ingesting dangerous pesticides and preservatives, and the fresh market is there for exactly that.

GlobeMed president, Camila Uzcategui, junior biophysics major, understands that “FIU does not have a lot of organic choices, and this market gives you that option to eat healthier.” With the aid of the farmer’s market, FIU students and faculty can experience healthier alternatives to the foods provided on campus.

lauren.bana@fiusm.com