DAYTON, Ohio — A new way for students to get fresh produce and local goods on the University of Dayton’s campus has been a big hit this fall. 

​​​Anneliese Fisher is a big fan of the new weekly farmer’s market on the University of Dayton’s campus. The junior is also involved in a program called Co-Pilots, which was asked to help give a student perspective on the farmer’s market on campus.

“I was one of the students who kind of helped figure out the time, payment and then I also helped reach out to local vendors," Fisher said.

This is the first year for the market. Students like Fisher said it’s a way for them to shop more sustainably.

“In the past couple of years, there’s definitely been a big shift with just more education about food miles and just what’s best for our environment and health," Fisher said. "It’s just great that there is a bigger awareness for getting local things that are just better for everyone in the whole process.”

And for younger students, it gives them more options than just dining hall food.

“Especially with freshman and sophomores who don’t always have the ability to get off campus to get food, this is a really good way for them to get things on campus," Fisher said.

For some local business owners like Kevin Anderson, the farmer’s market not only brings him back to his alma matter, but he also gets to share his passion for coffee roasting.

“The thought of a farmer’s market on campus was kind of a cool thing for me," Anderson said. "I had wished that we had something like this when I was in school. So, that made me want to participate.”

Fisher said while the first season of the market has been a success, she hopes it stays for years to come.

“There has been a ton of success so far," she said. "I just hope that people continue to make this a part of their weekly routine. Maybe waiting to see what produce they can get here before going to the grocery store.”

The farmer’s market continues every Tuesday starting at 3 p.m. until Nov. 2.