Authentically Elon: The Elon Alum Behind the Authentically Alamance Farmers’ Market Network
Jacque Anderson graduated from Elon this past spring with a major in human service studies and minor in women’s, gender and sexuality studies. Now, she serves as the farmers’ market coordinator with the Healthy Alamance Authentically Alamance Farmers’ Market Network.
“I loved Burlington when I was a student. With human services [major], you get out into the community a lot more than the average person,” says Anderson. “I like it here… and I just felt like I wasn’t done here.”
Healthy Alamance is a local network that serves to improve public health and food access in Alamance County. The organization believes that addressing health issues as a root cause of issues within the community is key in building a better community.
The Authentically Alamance Farmers’ Market Network allows access to fresh food in a large food desert, with the goal of providing local farmers, bakers and food enthusiasts an option for selling their goods within their community rather than outsourcing.
As coordinator, Anderson manages three markets in North Park, Elon and Mebane. Previously, the Elon and Mebane markets were not involved with Healthy Alamance.
“We have taken them over and given them some sort of formal operations,” says Anderson. “It protects the farmers and community a little better by making things a little more structured, rather than [individuals] having to follow a specific vendor around that they are interested in.”
In light of the pandemic, Anderson feels that the situation has led to the local community engaging with and appreciating the farmers’ markets more.
Elon grad Jacque Anderson spoke to The Edge about her role with the Authentically Alamance Farmers’ Market Network in a pandemic. Photo provided by Anderson.
“A lot of community members have realized that they need to have other places to rely on for food. When stuff was originally happening and there were food shortages in the grocery store, local farmers still had their produce, but people didn’t know where to get it from because they weren’t aware of farmers’ markets to begin with,” says Anderson.
It’s the understanding of where your food comes from and engaging with farmers directly that Anderson lists as her favorite part of the markets. She encourages Elon students to visit the markets if they haven’t previously.
“A lot of people will meet up with their friends on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons, or even Saturday mornings, and come to the market together and use it as a social interaction time,” says Anderson. “The market is very safe in comparison to other places. We’re outside and well-ventilated. We wear masks the entire time. It is very low-risk for a lot of people, so I think it is nice to get out and see people and talk to people.”
The Elon Farmers’ Market takes place Thursdays from 3-6 p.m. at the Elon Community Church in downtown Elon.