Aug. 21, 2013 – The University of Utah’s sixth annual farmers market begins Thursday, Aug. 29, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., on the Tanner Plaza, between the Union and Student Services buildings.

“The market was started as a way to increase access to fresh, local produce and raise awareness of health-related campus services,” said Jen Colby, sustainability coordinator and farmers market committee co-chair. “In addition to goods sold by local farmers and artisans, campus garden student volunteers sell organic produce grown and harvested on campus – you can’t get any more local than that.”

Keeping with the market’s mission to make healthy produce accessible to the campus community, the market accepts food stamps and offers a veggie valet.

The veggie valet, new this year, is modeled after the downtown market and allows customers to purchase food and keep it in coolers provided by University Dining Services until they’re ready to take it home later that day.

“We hope this change makes it more convenient for students, faculty and staff, who may be on campus for hours at a time, to take advantage of the farmers market,” said Katie Hunt, market co-chair.

The market also has a secure bicycle valet to make it easy for riders to attend. The University of Utah farmers market is free and open to the public. Each week the market assumes a different theme and hosts additional vendors and activities that correspond with the theme.

University of Utah Farmers Market Schedule:

Opening Day, Aug. 29

Bike to the U, Sept. 5

• The third annual Bike to the U Day coincides with the farmers market and features bicycle-themed vendors. Bring your bike for a free lock and register it with Campus Police.

Eat Local, Sept. 12

• University Dining Services will have chef demonstrations and share nutrition and shopping tips for eating local.

Fall Gardening, Sept. 19

• Learn how to extend your growing season with simple and low-cost garden covers and shop for seedlings that are best planted in the fall.

The Buzz About Bees, Sept. 26

• The U of U Beekeepers Association will offer a tour of the honeybee hives at the Union and provide information about beekeeping and how to grow a bee-friendly garden.

Happy Pets, Healthy People, Oct. 3

• The market will feature local animal adoption groups as well as pet-themed vendors.

Cooking Outdoors, Oct. 10

• Dutch oven cooking expert and U of U employee Deborah Hair will give a demonstration and tips for cooking outdoors. She will also have cookbooks available.