This week, at the Urbana farmers’ market, Jeff and Stephanie explored a new method of getting to know their fellow market-goers.  Modeled after the ever-growing blog Humans of New York, the two interviewed the reluctant but willing patrons that stopped by The Land Connection table.

“What is your favorite farm story?”

“Tell us about your first time at a farmers’ market.”

Questions like these led to an outpouring of excited memories and personal insight. As initial tensions eased, it was clear that each person had something that they just could not wait to share.

What got us started on this inquisitive campaign?  We at The Land Connection love going to the farmers’ market as well and although the beautiful and delicious food is a powerful draw, we realized that there was something more to it.

A few weeks ago, during the downpour and flash flooding in Champaign, there were still dedicated customers running out to the square on Saturday morning as even the tents quivered in the wind. No, it wasn’t just the produce, there was something more.  And it didn’t take us much thought to figure out what it was.  It was the same thing that most people answered when we asked them what they loved about the market: community.

We’ve known all along how good food and local business can bring communities together, but just reading the words doesn’t quite get the full experience across.  We wanted to expand and share our diverse experiences with the local food community.  So we came up with Humans of the Farmers’ Market, a way to get to know the people we come across on everyone’s favorite morning of the week and to share those amazing interactions with you.