Food, in many ways, was just as much a part of our liberation as education. As alumni gather for homecoming or in their local chapters, it is a sure bet that they are celebrating the HBCUs that are practicing good stewardship with their agriculture and agribusiness programs in the communities in which they are located. We’ve chosen a handful of historically Black colleges and universities hosting (or co-hosting) farmers’ markets in their towns and cities. They are not only providing healthy food options to student shoppers but also to their neighbors, especially in food deserts. These programs address food insecurity as well. And they are supporting local and student food entrepreneurs.
Prairie View A&M University Farmers’ Market and Student-led Community Garden
Ashley Pellerin, Interim Program Leader, 936-261-5035, anpellerin@pvamu.edu
Vendors are students and non-students from neighboring communities. Visitors can purchase a variety of leafy greens, okra, peppers, sorrel, tomatoes, and more. The inaugural Prairie View Farmers’ Market launched on October 3, 2019. This fall’s start was September 10 with market days on every Wednesday through November 19, 2025. Market hours are 10:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M.
Market Location – Hosted by Prairie View University at 35725 Owens Rd Prairie View, TX 77445. Located on the Prairie View A&M University Campus.
Southern University JagFresh Farmers’ Market
Cornelius Jackson, Jr., ANR County Agent – East Baton Rouge / East Feliciana Parishes
Southern University Agricultural Research & Extension Center, cornelius_jackson@suagcenter.com
The Southern Ag Center serves every parish in Louisiana, and is becoming one of the finest agricultural centers in the South. For example, in Shreveport, Southern operates a commercial kitchen open to food entrepreneurs in the community (including students). (In the future there will be a vineyard and winery.)
The Southern University Ag Center held the first JAGFresh Farmers Market in 2023. The market provided and continues to provide SU students, faculty, and the community fresh eggs, beef, honey, hibiscus tea, fresh cut plants, and fresh produce such as collard greens and radishes, and many more items from local farmers and producers.
The JagFresh Farmers Market will be held from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the lawn of Fisher Hall on the Southern University campus in Baton Rouge on the following dates: September 4, 2025; September 18, 2025; October 2, 2025; October 16, 2025; November 6, 2025; and November 20, 2025.
The University of the District of Columbia Van Ness Farmers Market
Andrew Blunk, Project Specialist, at andrew.blunk@udc.edu
The UDC Van Ness Farmers Market is a collaboration between UDC CAUSES, the National Latino Farmers and Ranchers Trade Association and other independent local vendors. The market takes place each Saturday, April to December, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market is located at 4200 Connecticut Ave., in front of the UDC Student Center.
Lincoln University (Missouri) Farmers Market
Sage Jakobi, JakobiS@LincolnU.edu
Located in the Dickinson Research parking lot at 1219 Chestnut St., Jefferson City, MO every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., the LU Farmers Market offers a unique shopping experience that brings together local food growers and farmers, bakers and artisans from across the region.
Oakwood Farms Market, Oakwood University, Huntsville AL
Bryan Landers, General Manager, blanders@oakwood.edu
“Friday Farmers Market” is held at Oakwood Farms Market weekly. The event takes place in their outdoor pavilion from April through November, every Friday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The venue is located at 5001 Adventist Blvd, NW, Huntsville, AL 35806.
These five HBCUs are but a few examples of the incredible food work found at land grant institutions. Many have incorporated community service centered on fresh food giveaways and student food pantries. This work is definitely following the traditions of HBCUs of yesteryear. Consider two things: Donating to these programs (the program directors are listed under each school featured) or to the programs at your preferred HBCU. And create alumni activities in your location that mirror the good works of your alma mater.
Photo credits belong to the institutions featured.
Robin Caldwell
Robin Caldwell is the blogger behind freshandfriedhard.com and academic researcher focusing on Black history, heritage and culture. Public historian primarily in Black American historical foodways: antebellum and regional.
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Robin Caldwell is the blogger behind freshandfriedhard.com and academic researcher focusing on Black history, heritage and culture. Public historian primarily in Black American historical foodways: antebellum and regional.
