June 3, 2019

Farmers Market returns on June 12: Enjoy locally grown produce, healthy-living activities

The Wayne State University Farmers Market returns Wednesday, June 12 (after being rescheduled due to weather conditions), and will continue weekly until the end of October.

Located on the corner of Woodward and Warren avenues, the market shares greenspace with the newly completed Woodward | Warren Park. The addition of new landscaping, seating, games and a welcome kiosk enhance an already popular Midtown hangout.

“We are so excited for the addition of the Woodward | Warren Park and the added activities that this will bring to the market experience,” said Heather Ladanyi, division and center manager.

The Farmers Market will host a variety of vendors this year, including such favorites as Sweet Potato Sensations and Smooth 2 U, operated by former Wayne State employee Sylvia Moore. It was because of the WSU Farmers Market that Moore followed her passion to be an entrepreneur in the smoothie business.

All vendors at the Wayne State Farmers Market are from Michigan, with the majority local to Detroit.

All vendors are from Michigan, with the majority local to Detroit. Returning will be a more diverse rotation of food trucks and prepared-food vendors that will offer a wide array of lunch options. In addition, healthy-living activities will be offered throughout the summer, including health screenings, nutrition lessons, cooking demonstrations and yoga in the park.

Ladanyi stresses that the farmers market’s commitment to source its food locally means some selections might be limited early in the growing season. But as the summer continues, shoppers should find an abundant selection of fresh Michigan produce.

“It’s just the beginning of the local growing season, and the variety of produce is somewhat limited at this point. But we know that there will be greens, asparagus, radishes on opening day,” she said. “The message is to eat locally and seasonally, and be patient — much more is coming."

Also of note, this year is an update to the Student, Faculty/Staff Advantage programs. With funding from Wellness Warriors, the first 125 Wayne State faculty and staff members to RSVP through Corq for the Faculty/Staff Advantage program and show their Event Pass at each farmers market will get $5 to spend on the market's fruits and vegetables. Students can also take advantage, with the first 125 Warriors to RSVP through Corq for the Student Advantage and show their Event Pass at the operations tent also receiving $5 toward the purchase of fruits and vegetables.

“We are grateful for the continued support of the Wellness Warriors and the Office of the Provost to provide students, faculty and staff with greater access to locally grown healthy produce,” Ladanyi said.

The WSU Farmers Market is a collaboration between the Center for Health and Community Impact located in the Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies, and the Office of Campus Sustainability.

For more information, visit the Farmers Market Facebook page.

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