Oxford has an estimated population of 22,340, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Last fall, Miami University enrolled approximately 16,500 undergraduate students at the Oxford campus, and more than 47% of the town’s residents fall between the ages of 20 and 24.
Oxford prides itself on being a self-aware college town. Because of the university, the city gains access to thousands of jobs, state-of-the-art facilities, an educated workforce, yearly tourism profit and international recognition. Plus, there’s no way we’d have such a well-stocked Walmart without a major educational institution nearby.
However, Miamians don’t always consider themselves Oxford residents. Because of our school’s benefits, many students, especially underclassmen, prefer to stay on campus for most of the year. When they do venture off campus, their first stop is often Kroger or CVS for necessities. While there’s nothing wrong with shopping at well-established grocery stores, there may be better alternatives.
One such alternative is MOON Co-Op. Oana Godeanu-Kenworthy, a teaching professor and the departmental advisor for American Studies, takes her yearly AMS 207 (America: Global and Intercultural Perspectives) class to this community-owned organic grocery store. MOON sources produce from nearby farms in Ohio and Indiana, offering a local option for students. Moreover, its packaged foods are sustainably obtained, with fair trade and equal exchange certifications found on nearly all products.
I took AMS 207 my first year and was pleasantly surprised to discover that my little college town had such a grocery store.
However, MOON is more than just a mini Whole Foods. Its mission is to empower the Oxford community and provide health and food services not offered by the private market. You can’t find local, Ohio-grown produce in Walmart, and Kroger doesn’t guarantee that its hummus is made in Hamilton or that its cacao is sustainably grown in South Africa.
During the field trip, I was surprised to learn that MOON almost always loses money throughout the year, despite its endearing and inspiring goals.
“Sometimes they actually do better in the summer months than in the winter months,” I heard that day. “They have trouble convincing Miami students to come back more than once.”
This challenge highlights a broader issue. Ultimately, it’s easier for students to go to big chain grocery stores than to a small store tucked beside TJ Maxx. These supermarkets have everything, with no extra stops required, and college students often prefer cheap convenience. And while some students enjoy strolling through the Oxford farmers market on Saturday mornings, vendors still struggle to compete with large organizations that keep globally imported goods in stock year-round.
Given these factors, investing back into the Oxford community isn’t always cheap or convenient. Prioritizing the community means making a point to shop at locally owned businesses and to spend money on higher-priced, better-quality products that support Butler County’s economy.
But acting as an Oxford resident is also really fun. The city holds a variety of events — including the Apple Butter Festival that took place Oct. 5-6 — that showcase the many cultures that make up our community. Oxford hosts yoga in the park on Saturdays, activities at Lane Public Library, wildlife investigations and hikes at Hueston Woods, art exhibitions at the Community Arts Center, historic walking tours, Thursday night pub runs, OxACT plays and musicals and annual festivals, all of which can be found on the City of Oxford’s calendar.
It’s important to note that I’m not saying students need to volunteer for the Talawanda PTO or get involved in every aspect of community life. Miami students are busy, and we should always prioritize our education.
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Nonetheless, when given the opportunity, students should consider popping into MOON Co-Op or buying their broccoli from the farmers market. On a free Sunday afternoon, perhaps students can attend an OxACT play instead of scrolling through social media and napping in bed.
We may spend four years of our lives here, but full-time residents deal with what we leave behind. Whether we like it or not, Oxford and Miami are inseparable. Being a Miami student means being an Oxford resident. It’s time we start acting like it.
Kerigan Moore is a sophomore double majoring in history and professional writing. She is a consultant for the Howe Writing Center and is a staff writer for UP Magazine. She’s also a HASS Scholar and is a photographer for Miami Cru.
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