Biweekly farmers market to resume Oct. 5 on Tempe campus

Every other Tuesday this academic year, ASU is sponsoring a farmers market at the Tempe campus to promote healthy eating and sustainability among students, faculty and staff. This event is a collaborative effort, sponsored by ASU departments, student groups and community organizations. 

This fall, the farmers market will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 5 and 19, and Nov.  2, 16 and 30, on Orange Mall, west of the Memorial Union. The market will feature approximately 25 vendors with fresh produce grown by local Arizona farmers. It will include other local products such as grass-fed beef, eggs, coffee, tea, apple cider, pasta, hummus, seasoning mixes, relishes, granola, bread, apple butter, chips and salsa, gyros, pulled pork sandwiches, tamales, cheese curds and organic vegan chocolate.  

While the event is geared toward ASU students, faculty and staff, the outside community is encouraged to visit the market as well. The ASU farmers market concept started as a Service Learning class project that has since resulted in a pilot market on the Tempe campus in September 2009. 

Due to the overwhelming response of the pilot market, the market expanded to taking place monthly during the spring 2010 semester. Interest has continued to rise, so the market is now taking place every other week. 

“Thanks to our students, faculty and staff, we have a strong following,” said Betty Lombardo, from the Office of University Sustainability Practices within the Global Institute of Sustainability. “The market allows us to engage in local sustainability while simultaneously increasing access to healthy foods. The farmers market provides opportunities to integrate green living practices into our daily lives.”     

For more information, visit www.asu.edu/farmersmarket

Farmers market @ the ASU Tempe campus sponsors include: the University Sustainability Practices Office with the Global Institute of Sustainability, ASU Wellness, University Housing, Memorial Union, Arizona Community Farmers Markets Association, Center for Student Sustainability Initiatives and Campus Health.