ABSTRACTFarmer’s markets provide myriad benefits, including access to fresh produce, community building, opportunities for emotional exchange, and knowledge sharing (Alia et al., 2014; Joseph & Seguin, 2023; Warsaw et al., 2021). They can also provide an accessible entrance to the natural world by providing opportunities to interact with seasonal produce, land workers, and an even plant and animal life (Dowler et al., 2009; Morales, 2011). Moreover, the experience of being outdoors and shopping in a more leisurely manner can contribute to eudemonia and improved psychological health for some consumers (Joseph & Seguin, 2023; Russomanno & Jabson Tree, 2021). Independently, these outcomes are all worthwhile contributions to human health and wellbeing. But recent literature suggests that farmer’s markets might also contribute to a more holistic kind wellbeing, which honors the mutual flourishing between humans and the natural world. Tied to nature connectedness and rooted in the innate human desire to connect with nonhuman nature (Capizzi & Kempton, 2023; Kellert & Wilson, 1994; Wilson, 1983), this social-ecological approach to wellbeing is a foundation of sustainability attitudes and action. But little empirical work has explored the intersection of wellbeing and nature-connectedness at farmer’s markets. This project investigates the impact of the farmers market experience related to nature-connectedness and eudemonia- which describes the ways humans flourish (Jenkins et al., 2022) at three farmers markets in the greater Lansing area: The Allen Farmer’s Market, Abbott Park Farmer’s Market, and Meridian Market. Using interviews and observations, this study investigates: (1) the impact of the market experience on customer connections to the food system, nature, and/ or the community; (2) customer perceptions about the relationship between their market attendance and personal wellbeing; (3) the intersection between nature-connectedness and wellbeing at the farmer’s markets. This project contributes to scholarly dialogue about nature-connectedness and wellbeing related to farmer’s market attendance.
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