Sodexo teams up with 70 colleges for large-scale farmers market

Sodexo is gearing up to host a nationwide event highlighting fresh, local produce on 70 college campuses.

The event, dubbed the Largest Farmers Market @ Campuses Across America, will provide chances for students to interact with farmers, check out cooking demonstrations and sample a variety of foods.

The timing of the campus markets, which will be held from Sept. 20-27, aligns with the Partnership for a Healthier America’s Healthy Campus Week.

“Our local farmers and artisan food producers are important partners in our efforts to serve the freshest ingredients to our university customers. Students care about who grows their food and where it is sourced,” said Satya Menard, chief executive officer of Sodexo’s Schools & Universities division, in a statement. “We want to provide them with delicious fresh food to help them develop healthy eating habits for the rest of their lives, while supporting the local businesses and communities.”

Students will be able to use their meal plan dollars at many of the market locations. Campuses involved include Tulane University in New Orleans, Howard University in Washington, D.C., Florida State University in Tallahassee and Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.