As a student at Clemson, you may have a hard time finding quality, sustainable and fresh food to purchase. I had this same predicament until I found out about the Clemson Area Food Exchange, also called CAFE. CAFE is an online, year-round farmers market that connects the public with local farms from as far as a 50-mile radius.

During my time shopping on CAFE, I have found that certain offerings are sometimes cheaper than at your average grocery. I recently spoke to the co-founder of CAFE, Elain Tyson, about her role in CAFE and what makes it so special.

CAFE is unique because it allows farmers to sign up and set their prices at their own discretion, according to Tyson. Many of these farmers use organic growing methods and sell unique products, such as microgreens and local honey.

Even though crops are seasonally based, CAFE is active year-round, offering products based on growing seasons. For example, if you were to view CAFE’s website right now, you would find a Fall Produce Bag from Growing Green Family Farm, as well as pumpkins from Lein Farm and Brown Butter Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies from Living Simple. In addition to produce, some sellers also offer goods like bread, fresh spices, soap and many other unique products.

CAFE’s unique group of farmers and volunteers helps it to run flawlessly with its multiple order pickup locations and even its delivery service. There is even a pickup location near Clemson that is less than 10 minutes from campus. The beauty of CAFE, Tyson shared, is helping to connect local people with local farmers to provide consumers with freshly farmed goods.