UDC News

June 24, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Successful Launch of the UDC Farmers' Market

UDC Farmers' Market launched its third season offering fresh food and fresh ideas to District residents.

Washington, DC - On Saturday, June 18, 2011, the University of the District of Columbia’s (UDC) Farmers’ Market kicked off its third season by hosting a Grand Opening Celebration featuring a wonderful selection of quality, fresh produce, as well as VIP guests, neighbors, live entertainment and more.  The UDC Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm, now through November 12, 2011.

The successful event featured greetings from representative of the White House “Let’s Move” initiative and the US Department of Agriculture, as well as from Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh, UDC President Dr. Allen Sessoms, Provost and Vice President Grae Baxter and other university officials.  Additionally, U.S. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes-Norton visited the Market, where she spoke with each farmer, purchased items and connected with District residents.  The Grand Opening event included live musical performances by the D.C. Accicentals and local guitarist John G. Lewis, as well as food demonstrations conducted by prize winning Chef Tyrome Henson, also known as “Chef T”.

In the midst of a growing concern regarding access to fresh and healthy food choices, the city’s public university and America’s urban land-grant institution has established a market to connect farmers with residents in the urban environment.  Working in partnership with MAGCC, Mid-Atlantic Growers and Consumers Cooperative, UDC presents a broad selection of fresh food, local barbeque, artisans and live musical performances to cultivate a healthier, more connected community.

Additionally, the Market provides on-site nutritional information, recipes, food demonstrations and more – offered to the public by the UDC Cooperative Extension Service (CES).  Children also have an opportunity to learn more about 4-H activities.  The Market opens in the spring and concludes for the season in the late fall.  Remember, go green and bring your reusable bags.

The UDC Farmers’ Market is an initiative of UDC’s College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, which provides “a sustainable bridge from college to the world.”  Consistent with the university’s mission as a land-grant institution, CAUSES integrates education, research and community service or “outreach.” 

For more information regarding UDC’s Farmers’ Market, please contact Dr. Calvin Lewis at clewis@udc.edu or 202.274.7163.

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action institution. The University prohibits discrimination or harassment against any person on the basis of the actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. This policy covers all programs, services policies, and procedures of the University, including admission to educational programs and employment. The University emphasizes the recruitment of minorities, women, disabled individuals, disabled veterans, Vietnam era veterans, and other eligible veterans. For further information regarding this policy statement or to file a complaint of discrimination or harassment please contact UDC's Office of Human Resources at 202-274-5020.

As the only urban land-grant institution in the United States, the University of the District of Columbia (www.udc.edu) supports a broad mission of education, research and community service across all member colleges and schools, which include the Community College of the District of Columbia, the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences, the College Arts & Sciences, the School of Business and Public Administration, the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the David A. Clarke School of Law.

Contact: Mary N. Elliott, melliott@udc.edu, 202.274.7148