The Central Student Government (CSG) and University Unions (UU) will host the second annual MFarmers’ Market with another day and location added on North Campus. The market will now take place on three days: September 13 and October 11th on the courtyard patio at the Michigan Union, and September 27th on North Campus in the Gallery at the Duderstadt Center, from 11am to 3pm. The markets will offer fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms, as well as cooking demonstrations, free samples, giveaways, easy recipes, a plant sale and tips for healthy and sustainable eating.
The Health Issues Commission is inviting other student organizations involved with sustainable issues to participate at the market. "This year’s market will be more student-focused with our goal to shed light on the many ways student groups across campus are promoting locally grown food, sustainable living, and healthy eating,” said Parisa Soraya from CSG’s Health Issues Commission. “We are very excited to provide an easy and fun way for students to learn about healthy choices and cooking tips by bringing together fresh produce with the farmers that grow and harvest it."
Central Student Government is working with many University partners to host this event. In addition to University Unions, additional support is being provided by University Catering, MHealthy, University Housing and Residential Dining Services, Center for Campus Involvement, University Health Services, the Office of Campus Sustainability, the Student Sustainability Initiative, and UU food retail operations.
“Local purchasing has become very important to the University of Michigan community and we want to provide opportunities for our faculty, staff and students to see and learn about the many initiatives that are taking place on our campus,” said Keith Soster, Food Service Director for University Unions. “The Farmers’ Market is a fun and informative avenue to showcase our work with local suppliers, as well as our additional sustainable efforts. It is also a great way to foster collaboration and build community among various campus units that have shared interests.” The University already stocks locally grown products in residential dining halls and retail locations such as Beanster’s Café, the University Club and U-go’s.
Those attending the markets are invited to bring their own reusable bags for their purchases. More information including updates on what produce will be available, as well as a video from last year’s markets, can be found at www.uunions.umich.edu and also on Facebook at “MFarmers’ Market (Sept. 13)” https://www.facebook.com/events/460911977267256/
The CSG is the central student government of the University of Michigan. For more information about the Health Issues Commission of CSG and how you can be involved in supporting healthy living at the University of Michigan, please contact the Health Issues Commission at psoraya@umich.edu.