Market opens

Doc’s Diner hosts collaborative event

Liberty University will hold its first Farmer’s Market in the Doc’s Diner parking lot, Thursday, Sept. 18.

The market will be held every Thursday until Nov. 13 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and will feature vendors such as the Liberty Campus Garden, Cakes and Fudge by Kondo, and Lorraine Bakery. The Farmer’s Market is a collaboration of Sodexo and Senior Vice President of auxiliary services Lee Beaumont that started last semester.

Pastries — Lorraine Bakery makes all of their products on site and does not use frozen ingredients.  Photo credit: Courtney Russo

Pastries — Lorraine Bakery makes all of their products on site and does not use frozen ingredients. Photo credit: Courtney Russo

Anthony Delligatti, district manager of Sodexo, spearheaded the initiative to solicit farmers and artisans from the Lynchburg Community Market, Forest Farmer’s Market and other surrounding markets to join the Liberty Farmer’s Market. According to Delligatti, both Sodexo and Liberty thought introducing the farmer’s market on the Liberty campus would introduce students to the local farmers and artisans in the surrounding area, enable them to purchase locally grown and harvested products and artisan crafts and offer to the faculty, staff and administration the ease of buying local right on campus.

“The farmers market was something I wanted to start here on campus when I arrived last November,” Delligatti said. “By offering a market with local farmers and artisans, it helps to support and strengthen the local economy and introduces to students the many things that Lynchburg and this area have to offer in regard to locally grown and made items. The market will help us to promote nutrition, health and wellness, work with our local community and promote good stewardship through our awareness of reducing our carbon footprint.”

Vendor Kondo Jenkins, part owner of Cakes and Fudge by Kondo, said she is looking forward to the Liberty Farmer’s Market.

“We are very excited to meet the students at Liberty, and we are looking forward to a good energy with them,” Jenkins said.

Located at the Lynchburg Community Market, Cakes and Fudge by Kondo offers a variety of homemade treats and, according to Jenkins, a unique way of dining. She offers handcrafted roses and a variety of gluten-free cupcakes, which will both be offered at the event. Jenkins, who has been making fudge for her family for more than 20 years, said she is excited to introduce her product to Liberty students.

In addition to fudge, students will be able to enjoy another spin on sweet treats. Lorraine Bakery is a European-style bakery that was started in 2008 by Steve Hackman and his wife. According to Hackman, the bakery offers crepes, breads and a variety of pastries. Hackman said he is looking forward to featuring his products at Liberty.

“I do not know which students are from Liberty or not, so it will be great to be able to have them up close and personal with the bakery,”
Hackman said.

Liberty’s own campus garden will also be offering their variety of fresh produce at the market.

Other vendors will include Joy’s Absolutely Fabulous Treats, Laura’s Little House, Grains of Sense, Miss Amanda’s and Cane Creek Country.

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