Mounds of fresh fruit and vegetables blanketed the surface of various venders’ tables as students rushed to the brim of each station, waving their money to buy the fresh products at the opening event of the Farmer’s Market on campus.

The ribbon cutting at the opening ceremony took place at the start of the event at 10 a.m. Tuesday morning. Once the ribbon was cut, students began pouring in, eager to get their hands on the organic, fresh locally grown foods.

Associated Students Vice President, Talar Alexanian, spoke on the hard work and persistence it took to get the Farmer’s Market on campus.

“After years of talking about the possibility of a farmer’s market, a conversation that has been beyond just us, months of research and a willingness from my university partners to collaborate with one another, I am proud to stand before you today and say that we made it a reality,” Alexanian said.

The Farmer’s Market carried not only fresh fruits and veggies, but also a variety of homemade products including hummus, honey, yogurt, desserts, pastries, tamales, falafels, and bread, amongst a plethora of other food items available. Prepared foods were also offered at some of the vendors along East University Drive for students passing by, or anyone who was on the go that wanted a taste of what the vendors had to offer.

Chris Monachelli, one of the vendors at the event, was selling small cakes. Monachelli has been running his family business at Dolce Monachelli’s for 13 years. After getting the invitation to participate in this event from Raw Inspirations at another Farmer’s Market event in Southern California, Monachelli plans to attend the CSUN Farmer’s Market each week.

“We make the best cake in the world,” Monachelli said.

Another local vendor, Luis Romo, sold French yogurt at the event. With 23 flavors offered, Romo made a huge gain at this event and also plans to return each week.

“There’s no sugar, no preservatives and it is all handmade,” Romo said.

The overall turnout for the event was successful to say the least. Students, staff and parents alike all joined together for this much-anticipated event.

CSUN freshman Hector Pinto, made positive remarks about his experience at the Farmer’s Market.

“I think this is a smart idea,” Pinto said. “It’s going to be very successful.”

With the new implementation of the Farmer’s Market, students have access to healthier options on campus that cater to the preferences of those who are gluten-free, vegans and vegetarians.

CSUN President, Dianne Harrison, spoke of her excitement regarding the market.

“I think that having an opportunity for our students and faculty and staff to purchase healthy foods adds to our sustainability,” Harrison said. “The fact that these foods are locally and regionally grown, again, is an improvement that will be fresh and offered. I, for one, am excited.”

CSUN senior and nutrition major, Elroma David, spoke on his approval of the overall quality of at the event.

“Associated Student leadership definitely came through on their promises regarding this event,” David said. “The students will benefit and it’s good for the local economy.”

For those that aren’t quite satisfied with the options available on campus, the Farmer’s Market provides healthy alternatives for students and faculty alike.

The idea to have a Farmer’s Market on campus was established three years ago. After making many phone calls, conducting a lot of research, and contacting local vendors to participate in the event, it is finally here.

“I think we are going to have a huge demand on our hands,” Alexanian said. “I think we are going to have people who want to see it happen more than once a week, which is a good problem to have.”

The Farmer’s Market will take place every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on East University Drive and Magnolia Walk.