Free snacks, clothes, produce and help with other basic needs were given to students during the Viking Village Market, a farmers market event that took place on LBCC’s Liberal Arts Campus.
The event was free with the main goal being to destigmatize food insecurity.
All of the clothes and food that were given away at the event were donated by the community with the clothes being washed and cleaned by LBCC’s sports department. Booths at the event also included volunteers helping students with CalFresh information and phone providers offering low cost services.
The event also had games where students could win prizes for spinning wheels or entering drawings.
“This event is in efforts to make a farmers market equitable,” the leader of the event, Chanel Hamilton said.
The event was put on by LBCC’s Basic Needs program, a program on campus dedicated to supplying students with essentials.
Volunteer Charlotte Hamilton looking at the produce that was available at the Viking Village Market to make sure it’s nice and fresh. The Viking Village Market took place on Aug. 30 at LBCC LAC. (Andrea Alonso) 
Jesse Marroquin (Black shirt), a Doctoral Student at CSULB’s Educational Leadership Program, speaking to the crowd that gathered at the Viking Village Market. The Viking Village Market took place on Aug. 30 at LBCC LAC. (Andrea Alonso) 
Jesse Goodman (Left) from the veteran services speaking to Elio Lopez (Right) a member of the Basic Needs and Outreach Specialist programs. The Viking Village Market took place on Aug. 30 at LBCC LAC. (Andrea Alonso) 
Jesse Goodman, from the veteran services, enjoying the free freshly made fruit juice offered at the Viking Village Market. The Viking Village Market took place on Aug. 30 at LBCC LAC. (Andrea Alonso)
Along with the free items at the farmers market, students also were able to access the Viking Vault, the food pantry on campus. To access the Viking Vault, all you need is an ID number and first and last name. Inside the Viking Vault, you are able to get free food, hygiene products and other basic necessities.
“It is nice to have somewhere where you don’t have to struggle not having money,” said first year LBCC student Ivana Valverde.
This event is something students would like to see come back in the future.
“I would keep it on my calendar for sure,” said Valverde.
The market will be taking place again on Sept. 27, Oct. 25, and Nov. 22.
There is also another farmers market that takes place every 4th Tuesday at the PCC campus where not only students, but all community members are welcome to attend.