M Farmers Market; CSA brings fresh produce to campus

By: 
Juanita Day, MHealthy Communications
Release Date: 
7/7/2015

Every week into the fall, get a wide variety of locally-grown vegetables, fruits and other farm products right here on campus, courtesy of the M Farmers Markets. Through a collaboration of several university groups, the farmers markets have expanded from last year’s three locations to five sites across - campus:  Michigan Union, Wolverine Tower, North Campus Research Complex (NCRC), University Hospital Courtyard and Pierpont Commons.  

The university has also partnered with two local farms to give faculty and staff an opportunity to participate in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Two produce pick-up sites are available near campus.

“With the expanded farmers market program, fresh produce will be available on campus nearly every day of the work week,” says Erica Owen, manager of nutrition and weight management services for MHealthy. “The markets and CSA program gives our community even more opportunities to get super fresh produce at a reasonable price and make healthier food choices at work and at home.”  

M Farmers Markets

Purchase locally-grown fresh seasonal produce, as well as flowers, potted plants, herbs and other goods. The market is available four days a week from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., at one of five locations:  

  • Every Monday – Michigan Union in the MUG
  • Select Tuesdays – Wolverine Tower, G18
  • Select Tuesdays – North Campus Research Complex (NCRC), Building 18
  • Every Thursday – University Hospital Courtyard
  • Every Friday – Outside Pierpont Commons U-go's

All produce is provided by local Michigan farms, with Zilke Vegetable Farm serving as the main source. Zilke, in Milan, MI, is a family-owned and operated farm that does not use chemicals or pesticides.

Purchases can be made with cash, credit/debit card or with a Zilke Vegetable Farm CSA membership.

See all M Farmers Market dates and locations.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program

Through a partnership with Prochaska Farms (Tecumseh, MI) and Tantré Farms (Chelsea, MI), faculty and staff can purchase a 12 week “share” in the farm’s harvest. Shares must be purchased by July 1.

A “share” typically consists of a box or basket of farm fresh seasonal vegetables, with other farm products possibly included.  Weekly pick-up sites near campus include:

  • Washtenaw Food Hub (4175 Whitmore Lake Road) – Every Wednesday, July 8 – September 233 p.m. - 6 p.m. Organic produce provided by Tantré Farms.  
  • Green Road Parking Lot (1919 Green Road) – Every Thursday, July 9 – September 243 p.m. - 6 p.m. Produce provided by Prochaska Farms. 

Learn more about the CSA program or purchase a share.

The markets and CSA program are a partnership between MHealthyUMHSMichigan DiningCentral Student Government, and Planet Blue