Dehart's Impact on Local Farm Produce Still Felt (at Allegheny College)Meadville Tribune
By Konstantine Fekos
MEADVILLE — Meadville Market House Manager Alice Sjolander remembers well the impact that Allegheny College professor Jennifer DeHart had on the local farm market scene — an impact that is still being appreciated today.
DeHart came to Meadville in 2001 with a vision to network the local farmer’s market, and, as Sjolander recalls, “she grouped them together and got their products to market so they made a living and the citizens got locally grown produce. Jennifer brought life back into the farmer’s market. She was a remarkable woman.”
DeHart, who passed away in spring 2010, not only organized and advertised for farmers, but initiated student involvement that stands to this day.
In her memory, these students, along with faculty and staff, continue her dedication to local farmers and consumers.
Allegheny College’s supporters of DeHart and local farming were joined by community members in selling out Wednesday’s third annual DeHart Dinner, an event organized to promote and feature local produce and cuisine.
“We estimate about 90 percent of the ingredients were produced within 70 miles or so of Meadville,” said Kate Darby, assistant professor of environmental science at Allegheny College.
More than 250 ticket holders filled the college’s Schultz Banquet Hall at 6 p.m. to enjoy the farm-grown spread.
“The reason this is all possible is Jennifer DeHart,” said Sjolander, who spoke briefly about DeHart’s background in revitalizing the market network.
The market network wasn’t the only thing revitalized, however. In efforts to expand the event and spread greater awareness for local growers, the dinner was relocated and revamped.
“In the past, this event was held in the campus dining hall and held as a standard meal, but this year we made it a separate event to really promote it and make it special,” she said.
What makes the event so special, according to faculty, is the volunteerism of students who seek to carry on DeHart’s work.
“I heard there was a huge local food scene in Meadville, but I couldn’t find it,” said Sara Schombert, a senior biology major and student assistant for the environmental science department.
Schombert is one of the students working with faculty like Darby and other community members to keep the Food & Agriculture Resources for Meadville (FARM) alive, a group started by DeHart.
“We’re looking to re-open the lines of communication to farmers and consumers,” she said.
Local vendors who contributed to the featured menu included the Creative Crust Bakery, Fresh from the Vines, Bookamer Family Farm, the Market House, Vorisek’s Backyard Bee Farm, Pine Run Farm, Nu Way Farm, Troyer Farm, Woodcock Stand, Mercyhurst University’s farm, Tender Acres, Last Fisherman, Moonlight Ranch, Happy Mug Coffee Co., Raup & Marcies and Swift Berry Farm.
“It’s a good event,” said junior political science major P.J. Arora. “It’s a good way of getting connected with the Meadville community.”
A student committee organized the event, working on all acquisitions, organization, decorations and more, according to Darby.
Parkhurst Dining Services, Allegheny’s catering company, is also fundamental in orchestrating and hosting the annual event.
“This was truly a collaborative effort between the dining staff, faculty and students,” said senior environmental science major Ahasanur Rahman, who planned the outdoor activities and coordinated entertainment for the local farmers market and live entertainment festival on campus’ Brooks Walk prior to the dinner.
The student committee also consisted of Kelly Boulton, Kelly Williams, James Heberling, Elizabeth Ozorak, Charles Wise, Emma Dosch, Charles Heberling, Erin Kuhn, Catherine Licina, Michael Zanie, Scott Brissel, Max Balakoff, Ian LimBonner, Laura Hellmich and Tiffany Ng.
“The formatting is a little different, but it’s always been a very popular event,” said Sjolander. “The organizers do a wonderful job.”
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