A Market Where Even the Tomatoes Need Security Clearance

A Market Where Even the Tomatoes Need Security Clearance

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Jun 24, 2015

I think there’s hardly anything better than cold, fresh fruit and vegetables on a hot summer day from the local farmer’s market. I usually get up early, when the sun has just barely peeked out to introduce a new day and head to the market to engage my senses and buy pieces of nature’s bounty. Even NSA employees love a good market as they dreamed up the concept of their very own NSA Farmer’s Market.

Beginning last year as an alternative to the on-site cafeteria, NSA’s market launched with just a few local food producers and was held every Friday starting in spring until November. It was a huge success, so this year, NSA’s market was brought back again, this time even closer to the main building.

Can you imagine what type of security clearance you would need to become a vendor at NSA’s market? I would imagine a pretty high one.

Vendors can’t simply fill out an application as most are based on employee recommendations and receive an email invitation. The initial screening process requires vendors to give their place of birth, birthday, Social Security number and vehicle details. Once cleared, vendors must schedule in about 30 extra minutes on the day of the market to pass through two security checkpoints. Trained K-9s smell coolers and inspect vehicles for anything suspicious while refusing to gobble down treats being transported in. I’d say that takes some major restraint, especially since one of the vendors sells freshly-baked cupcakes!

NSA’s Farmer’s Market gives employees a chance to mingle across departments and become better acquainted as an agency. Even some of the vendors have befriended NSA employees but they must be careful how they interact outside the protective confines of the market. It’s okay to say something like, “It was great seeing you on Friday,” but the “where” must be left out.

Of the 10,000+ on-site employees, it is estimated that more than 1,000 visit the market every Friday.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.