September 14, 2004

UCSD Farmers' Market To Debut On Campus Sept. 21

By Jan Jennings

Fresh seasonal produce and flowers from local growers, homemade cookies, and freshly made crepes will be among the specialty offerings available when the UCSD Farmers’ Market opens its booths on campus every Tuesday beginning Sept. 21.

There also will be pre-made tamales, salsa and chips, freshly made breads, pies, and cakes, kettle corn, and gourmet bread spreads and vegetable dips. Approximately 15 to 20 vendors will open their booths from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Lyman Way, next to the Chancellor’s complex, and wrap around onto Library Walk. The market will be open every Tuesday of the academic year except during the Christmas holidays.

The UCSD Farmers’ Market is co-sponsored by SOLO (Student Organizations and Leadership Opportunities) and the Sunshine Store, a convenience store and a department of the UCSD Bookstore.

“The UCSD Farmers’ Market will be typical of the Farmers’ Markets in the area, such at the La Jolla Open Aire Market which takes place each Sunday at the La Jolla Elementary School,” says Bonnie Harmon, manager of the Sunshine Store and the UCSD Farmers’ Market. “We are working closely with local farmers who will supply their produce and flowers and with the various vendors who supply their specialties. Not only is the market practical, but it also will provide a festive environment on campus.”

Harmon says the idea for a Farmers’ Market at UCSD has been in the planning stages for some time and came about in response to several on-campus surveys of students who requested affordable fresh produce and food. Harmon has been consulting with Darcy Young of the La Jolla Open Aire Market for general information on the farmer’s market to make it a reality on campus.

“The Sunshine Store cannot offer the quantity of fresh items, nor can we have a steady turn-around of fresh produce and baked goods,” Harmon says. “The Farmers’ Market is the ideal solution, not only for the students, but for faculty and staff as well.”

For further information contact Harmon at (858) 534-4248 .

Media contact: Jan Jennings, (858) 822-1684