Auburn students may travel 10 miles on any given weekday, but how far will their food go?
According to PBS, the average distance that food travels before it reaches a plate is 1,500 miles, contributing to global warming and depleting oil resources. However, with the opening of The Market at Blooming Colors, a produce and specialty foods market that sources its products from local farmers and co-ops, students can conveniently reduce their carbon footprints.
Started by brothers John and King Braswell, The Market will provide high quality, local produce yearround from their location on South College Street.
"My brother and I started Blooming Colors about 15 years ago and this is something we've wanted to do for a long time," said John Braswell, co-owner of The Market. "We just felt the time was right--there is no other place like this in Auburn."
The store is stocked with products such as Bulger Creek Farm goat cheese from Notasulga, Wickles from Dadeville, Braswell's (no relation) marinades and dressings and homemade peach ice cream, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.
"Most of the produce is grown on our 40 acres in Auburn and is picked fresh every morning before being sold in the store," Braswell said. "Right now we have about 16 acres of pumpkins for October."
Ginger Purvis, store manager, believes this fresh produce retains more vitamins than shipped produce because it is straight from the ground and does not need to be treated with chemicals post-production.
"We also grow different varieties of fruit and vegetables from the grocery stores," Purvis said. "I think they are tastier than commercial varieties, so people who may have not liked something in the past, may like our particular variety."
The Braswells are expanding the store to include a cafe, florist and an organic specific section.
"The cafe should be open by mid-September and will have baked goods, ice cream, specialty meats and cheeses," Braswell said. "Crepes will be made using fresh produce from the store while you wait, and we will have Wifi for students."
Students are beginning to discover The Market without the draw of the cafe. Sarah Hulls, a junior in Spanish, noticed the new store from the street.
"It's really cute," Hulls said. "This is my first time here. I like to support local businesses and to buy local products."
But Hulls wonders if The Market will be as popular with other students.
"It depends on the prices, students look for a bargain," Hulls said. "Also, I don't know how many will come here just to buy produce--me and my friends will--but a lot of people want convenience."
The Market is keeping their prices competitive, aware that they are up against corporate grocery stores.
"Actually our prices are usually cheaper or comparable to Wal-Mart or Kroger," Braswell said. "Only a few things, like peaches, tend to be a little more expensive because they are fresh off the tree every morning."
For example, cucumbers were priced at two for $1, and watermelons at $3 a piece.
Student interested in seasonal cooking can request a product on the store's wish list.
Right now, Braswell lists peaches, tomatoes, squash, okra and corn as produce in the prime of their season. The produce is of the purest quality. The market is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., student cooking should get a whole lot fresher.
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