West Virginia University’s WELLWVU is partnering with various University departments to offer a downtown campus farmers market called “FREG to U” to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to students.

Starting on Wednesday (Aug. 31), the downtown campus farmers market will be held each Wednesday in front of the Mountainlair. Vendors will sell seasonal fruits and vegetables from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. including apples, peaches, corn, pumpkins and peppers among others.

“Students live both on and off campus where accessibility to fruits and vegetables is low, and many students come from home communities with poor accessibility,” said Melissa Olfert, an assistant professor of human nutrition in the WVU “Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design” “Everyone needs to strive for half of their plate to be filled with fruits and vegetables for every meal.”

In addition, students will have the opportunity to not only purchase these foods but also learn how to prepare them. The executive chef at the Erickson Alumni Center Scott Spiker and the Dietitian/Program Coordinator for Dining Services Nettie Freshour will provide a cooking demo on Sept. 21, with free samples from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Each week, students will be able to bring home recipe cards specific to the produce offered at the market.

WELLWVU is partnering on the market with the Davis College’s Human Nutrition and Foods Department, the Graduate Student Dietetic Association, the Student Dietetic Association, Student Government Association and WVU Dining Services.

The event will not be held in inclement weather. Check http://well.wvu.edu and follow @WELLWVU on Twitter for updates on the farmers market.

WELLWVU piloted a farmers market last year with the Student Government Association, which was well received by students, staff and faculty, said WELLWVU Assistant Vice President Cathy Yura.

WELLWVU also partnered with the WVU women’s soccer team last year to encourage students to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. The team was featured in the eatWELL campaign with the message “Freggies are Fun.”

In addition, display messages with tips on how to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into daily diet are on napkin holders in all dining halls on campus.

Since 2009, WELLWVU has helped students foster a better well being through health care, education, promotion and related services.

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CONTACT: Colleen Harshbarger, WELLWVU Office of Wellness and Health Promotion, 304-293-3574, colleen.harshbarger@mail.wvu.edu

td/08/29/11

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