Shopping for food in college can be exhausting. There are so many options out there, including non-GMO, organic, and “natural.” But how do you know which one is the safest or most reliable to go with? It’s a difficult question, and for hungry students, we just want easy-to-buy, cheap, ready-to-eat food no matter what kind it is.
Luckily, many colleges, including Indiana University, have farmer’s markets and fresh farms near campus where buying fresh produce can be hassle-free and your safest bet to a healthy and dependable meal. Even for a student without a car or a way to get to a farm, fresh produce is easy to find. Most farms sell their produce at the local Bloomington Farmer’s Market and Bloomington’s Winter Farmer’s Market, which are both only a bus ride away.
Simpson’s Farm Market
Photo courtesy of Lauren Thiersch
This 7th generation family farm focuses on truly “authentic food.” Raising mainly meat, including beef, chicken, pork, and turkey, they procure their meat without the use of chemicals, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), vaccinations or antibiotics. Simpson’s is also a vendor at
Simpson’s is also a vendor at Binford Farmer’s Market and have introduced the Binford Buying Club. This club lets people order products online and have the items delivered in town for pickup or at an individual’s home. Perfect for IU students! Make sure to check out their blog posts for trendy, easy-to-make meals and sales going on.
Shacht Farm
Photo courtesy of Caroline Hull
Without the use of any chemicals, Shacht Farm specializes in raising free-range, grass-fed chicken eggs, chickens, pastured hogs, turkey, and cattle in south-central Indiana. Don’t know what season to eat eggs in? They’ll tell you. Don’t know what cut of meat to buy? Whatever you need, they are guaranteed to have it.
Schacht Farm takes part in multiple farmers markets including the Bloomington Community Farmer’s Market and Bloomington Winter Market. Whether you’re buying in bulk, bundles, or just for dinner, Schacht Farm has a variety of options to chose from. Join them on Sunday, May 22nd, from 3 to 5 pm for their Open Farm Day to see what they are all about.
Snoozin’ Goose Ranch
Photo by Megan Prendergast
If you’re big on fresh eggs or poultry in general, Snoozing’ Goose Ranch is the ranch to go to. This ranch specializes in doves, ducks, chickens, partridges, quail, geese, and chicken & duck eggs. Birds can be bought as chicks or prepared as whole birds. Eggs are available any season, but make sure to check out their current sale listings to know when birds are available.
Another huge plus is that hatching eggs are available for shipping nationwide. If you’re not huge on buying birds, this ranch also sells a variety of vegetables and herbs, including tomatoes, onions, peppers, squash, corn, zucchini, vegetable seeds, and fresh lavender.
Stranger’s Hill Organics
Photo by Jocelyn Hsu
Known as the oldest continually certified organic farm in Indiana, Stranger’s Hill Organics brings you the freshest vegetables of the season, as well as blueberries. If you don’t have time for the farmer’s market or checking out the farm, Stranger’s Hills Organics produce can also be found at Bloomingfoods and Lucky’s Market.
Bluffwood Creek Farm & Apiary
Photo courtesy of Nadia Alayoubi
If you’re feeling adventurous head up to Indianapolis and check out Bluffwood Creek Farm & Apiary. This farm specializes in crops including field corn, popcorn, spelt, and hay. They also sell bees & honey, eggs, duck, turkey, and garden produce. Honey is not only available on the farm but can also be ordered online and shipped straight to you.
Instead of trying to look for the healthiest and safest meat and produce at the grocery store, just head to these farms or markets where you don’t have to think twice. Ever heard of CSA? Check it out and see how it might benefit your college eating all year round.