The East Lansing Farmers Market, which occurs every Sunday from May through October at Valley Court Park, presents a variety of booths that serve the community’s wants and needs in many ways. Among the many stands in the market, Jenny Rusnock’s booth, Jenny’s Sweets and Treats, stood out. Rusnock’s father Tom Rutter greeted attendees by offering free samples of their apple pie bar. Inside their tent, Rusnock had a variety of jams and jellies, vegan, gluten-free and regular breads, ranging from banana to pumpkin, displayed for purchase.
Rusnock’s journey into the world of baking did not start with culinary school or college. “I had to quit my job to move out to New York, and I started watching a lot of Food Network and just started baking,” Rusnock said. This challenging time turned into a passion and ultimately became the foundation of Jenny’s Sweets and Treats.
“We sell baked goods. Everything is homemade from scratch. We sell jams and jellies, and we sell farm-fresh eggs,” Rusnock explained.
Rusnock uses eggs produced by her own chickens, and she mostly uses locally sourced ingredients.
“We do the best that we can to make sure they’re locally sourced,” she said. “Everything is baked within a day or two before the market, so everything is baked fresh to order. We never freeze or do anything with our products.”
Amanda Amador and James Roller, new customers of the East Lansing Farmers Market, were full of smiles and good things to say about Rusnock’s stand. “The apple pie bar was very good. I would definitely recommend this to others,” Amador said.
Katelyn Rusnock, Jenny’s daughter, is just as much a part of the farmers market community as her mother is.
“I love helping my mom bake. It’s fun!” said Katelyn. Later, Katelyn Rusnock stated that she maybe would take over the business someday.
For Rusnock, part of the enjoyment of participating in the farmer’s market also comes from a desire to support the local farmer’s market community.
“I just love to be here with all the people and the great vendors that they have and just show what we have for them,” she said.
When customers support Jenny’s Sweet Treats and the other vendors, they are not only experiencing quality products but most importantly are supporting a local business that brings the East Lansing community together. And even though the farmers market will be ending soon, Rusnock is still planning on holiday-themed bakery items such as holiday sugar cookies and pies. The final East Lansing Farmers Market dates of the season are planned for Oct. 22 and 29 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Find more details at https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/farmersmarket.