Resource at Stake

Buying locally supports local farms and small businesses. Due to the rising costs of food production and governmental incentives for large farms, many smaller farms must fight to stay alive. Thus, our market will serve a need for both farmers and students. Because all of our suppliers are from Massachusetts, Brandeis is giving back and supporting the eastern Massachusetts economy. Furthermore, modern technology enables food to be transported long distances without spoil. However, this has immense environmental costs. Among other problems, transported food releases high amounts of Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere and uses massive amounts of shipping materials to package the food. The market will reduce the amount of gas, time, and money students spend trying to access fresh produce off campus. It is impossible to visit the Waltham’s Farmer’s Market on a weekend without a car or without taking a long walk.
Many suppliers at farmer’s markets are certified organic while others use minimal pesticides and herbicides. Organic food has natural antioxidants that are good for the body because the plants have to make their own natural protection against pests.  Some of the major problems with industrial agriculture are soil erosion, lack of biodiversity, and the reliance on chemicals. Furthermore, scientific research has linked various symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and cancer to the chemicals used is industrial agriculture.
            Furthermore, students want to eat nutritious food and make healthy choices. We have all struggled to find healthy snacks and fresh options on campus. An individual’s overall health hinges on what he or she consumes. For example, the overconsumption of sugar can lead to health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and thyroid and kidney malfunction. Therefore, by providing a means to access fresh produce on campus, we are enabling students with the opportunity to find healthier food and have a better quality of life.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Risk-of-Eating-Unhealthy&id=133755