The university community now has convenient options for buying locally grown fruits and vegetables on campus.
Through October, the Eat Smarter: Fresh Produce Series returns on select days at the University Hospital’s Courtyard, Wolverine Tower, and the North Campus Research Complex.
Scheduled dates and times:
• Produce Days at Wolverine Tower — Select Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., through Oct. 30. Upcoming dates: June 19, July 10, July 24, Aug. 7.
• Produce Days at NCRC — Select Thursdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., through Oct.16. Upcoming dates: June 12, June 26, July 3, July 17.
• The Produce Cart at University Hospital’s Courtyard — Every Tuesday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., June through early October.
“The feedback we received last year was so positive, with people saying they liked the convenience and having healthy alternatives at work,” says Erica Owen, manager of Nutrition and Weight Management Services for MHealthy.
“Shoppers would stock up for the week, then come back the following week to stock up again. We also heard that units were chipping in and buying enough produce to create a big salad for everyone to share.”
Along with encouraging eating healthier food choices, the series also supports a campus commitment to offering sustainable, locally sourced foods. All produce is provided by local Michigan farms, with Zilke Vegetable Farm serving as the main source. Zilke, in Milan, is a family-owned and operated farm that does not use chemicals or pesticides.
Purchases can be made with cash or credit. In addition to produce, flowers, patio pots, and desk gardens will be available at some locations. Shoppers are encouraged to bring a reusable bag for purchases.
The Fresh Produce Series is a partnership between MHealthy, UMHS, NCRC, Wolverine Tower Wellness Committee, the Office of Sustainability and Zilke Vegetable Farm.
Dawn Stupak
It would be great to have a stand on central campus as well.
erica owen
Thank you for your comment! I work with MHealthy’s Nutrition Program and we are hoping to get an ongoing market running on central campus sometime in the future. In the meantime, later this year, University Unions, in partnership with Central Student Government, will host the MFarmers’ Markets at the Michigan Union on Sept. 11.
Cindy Davis
Any chance we can get this someplace on central campus? Union, perhaps?
Lora Wingate
Agreed. A central campus location seems logical. Students and staff would benefit.
Stephanie Hensel
I would support a location on central campus.
erica owen
Thank you for your comment! I work with MHealthy’s Nutrition Program and we are hoping to get an ongoing market running on central campus sometime in the future. In the meantime, later this year, University Unions, in partnership with Central Student Government, will host the MFarmers’ Markets at the Michigan Union on Sept. 11.
J M
Who could local farmers contact to be a part of this program?
erica owen
You can contact MHealthy at mhealthy@umich.edu.
Emille Hall
There will be produce at the Michigan Union on “Farm Fresh Wednesdays” at UGo’s convenience store on the Ground floor. This will run throughout the growing season.