Farmers markets and CSA program bring fresh produce to campus

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The University of Michigan community will have access to locally-grown vegetables, fruits and other farm products every week into the fall through the M Farmers Markets, which kicked off this month at five campus locations.

Also, the university has partnered with three Ann Arbor-area farms to offer Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) pick-up locations on or near campus.

“These programs are another way to give our community an opportunity to get seasonal, fresh produce at a reasonable price,” says Erica Owen, manager of nutrition and weight management services for MHealthy. “They offer something for everyone. Come to a farmers market to pick and choose your produce, or join a CSA and have enough produce to last you and your family for the entire week.”

M Farmers Markets

Buy farm fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as flowers, potted plants, herbs and more. Purchases can be made with cash, or credit or debit cards. Five locations are open through the fall:

• Select Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. – East Ann Arbor Health Center (EAAHC)

• Select Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Wolverine Tower

• Select Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – North Campus Research Complex (NCRC), Building 18

• Every Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – University Hospital Courtyard

• Thursdays, once a month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – KMS, 3621 S. State St., Suite 635

Look for additional M Farmers Market events on Central and North Campus in September and October. More information to follow.

The farmers markets are a partnership between MHealthy, U-M Health System, Michigan Dining, Central Student Government, and Planet Blue.

Community Supported Agriculture program

Get fresh, straight-from-the-farm produce by purchasing a “share” in a local farm, then pick up produce each week at a location on or near campus. A “share” typically consists of a box or basket of farm fresh seasonal vegetables. Participating farms:

Prochaska Farm 

Pick-up dates:  Every Thursday, July 7-Sept. 29, 3-6 p.m.
Pick-up location: Green Road Parking Lot, outside the Printing Services Building
Full and half shares available.

Tantre Farm

Pick-up dates:  Wednesdays, through mid-October, 6-8 p.m.
Pick-up location: Washtenaw Food Hub, 4175 Whitmore Lake Rd.
Certified organic farmer.

Zilke Vegetable Farm

Pick-up dates: Flexible
Pick-up location:  Zilke Vegetable Farm stand, 12491 Carpenter Road, Milan.
Offers a customizable CSA program.

The farmers markets and CSA program support the university’s commitment to offering sustainable, locally sourced foods.

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Comments

  1. Nick Prieur
    on June 15, 2016 at 8:30 am

    Good morning – is there any chance of getting a location closer to Central Campus? All of these locations are great (and any availability is better than none!) but these are pretty far outside a normal lunchtime walk. We had one at the Student Activities Building last year, and nearly my entire department went every Monday.

    • erica owen
      on June 15, 2016 at 9:20 am

      Central Campus will be holding 3 MFarmers Market days in September & October. Dates & Locations to be determined.

  2. Kelly R
    on June 15, 2016 at 8:59 am

    Seconding the comment by Nick — a location on central campus would be much appreciated. Also, could what KMS is be clarified?

    • erica owen
      on June 15, 2016 at 9:21 am

      KMS is located at 3621 S. State St. Suite 635

  3. Allison R
    on June 15, 2016 at 9:07 am

    I also agree– I would definitely attend a farmer’s market in central campus during my lunch hour.

  4. Catherine K
    on June 15, 2016 at 9:21 am

    Yes! A Central Campus location would be great!

  5. Jane Warren
    on June 15, 2016 at 1:43 pm

    A central campus location a must!

  6. Greg Richards
    on June 15, 2016 at 3:08 pm

    Our restaurant focuses on fresh, locally sourced and organic ingredients in asian cuisine and would love to come out to do a cooking demonstration during one of your markets!

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