If you haven’t been there yet, sidle on over to the Old Main building on the TRU campus and discover this hidden gem. Peruse through the craft market featuring a range of local artisans as well as TRU students displayed in colourful, delightful arrangements. The smell of delicious, wholesome soups will draw you in to the window, where you can choose from one of three daily flavours, with a side of biscuit or corn bread for a thrifty $6.50.
The ESTR program is a retail and kitchen program for young adults who are neurodiverse. They do the bulk of the work, and in return, they learn applied skills in merchandising, point-of-sale, inventory, and food prep, all while making friends in the process. Many of them go on to pursue further education in other TRU programs such as culinary arts and early childhood education.
Their market has grown in popularity from its humble beginnings as a food cart in 2014, to upwards of 80 transactions per day! They serve the community beautifully, providing nutritious food and opportunities to buy creative and unique products, all while supporting local commerce. Their presence on campus helps to gently carve a space of inclusivity through relationships formed with members of the TRU community, and students of the program have the opportunity to build skills in social integration.
So come on down to OM 2425, do a little Christmas shopping, and sample those tasty soups! The market is open for one more week in Dec., before it closes for the year, but never fear! It will be back next year, when the school year starts again.
Market hours: Wednesday and Thursday 10:00-2:00
Kitchen hours: Wednesday and Thursday 12:00-2:00
Merry Christmas everyone!
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