Farmer's Market open to public

ALLENDALE, Mich. -- In addition to locally grown fresh produce, the GVSU Farmers'  Market offers visitors unique food preparation techniques and samples plus health and wellness tips.

The market, in parking lot F of the Allendale Campus, runs each Wednesday (except July 4) from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through August 22. It is open to the public in addition to the university community.

Sue Sloop, GVSU Work Life Connections consultant, said about 10 Ottawa County vendors participate weekly, bringing fresh produce, fresh flowers, homemade breads and meats, plus other items. This is the first year the market is open weekly through the summer.

"We want the public, in addition to students, faculty and staff, to be involved in the market," Sloop said. "The market fits well with our sustainability initiative and the university's new health and wellness initiative."

Theme days will be held throughout the summer. Wednesday, June 27, is Kid's Day; university staff members will lead games for kids and host informal sessions on kid-friendly recipes and tips to battle childhood obesity. July 18 is Women's Health Day, activities will include presentations on exercise and weight control and fresh foods as sources of antioxidants.

Each week, GVSU Campus Dining features a vendor and creates a dish from their produce. Free samples of the dish are available during the lunch hour.

For more information about the GVSU Farmers' Market, call Sloop at (616) 331-8011.