In its fifth year of contributing to both sustainability on campus and a connection to the off-campus community, Grand Valley State University’s local farmers market continues to thrive as students return to campus.

The market was started to aid GVSU’s sustainability efforts by selling fresh produce grown locally, said market manager Kay Hart.

With 15 vendors, products include produce, fresh-cut flowers, baked goods, dry mixes and jerky. All of these items are grown locally in West Michigan, although some farmers work in conjunction with growers outside of the area.

Forty percent of those who attended Wednesday’s market were students, Hart said, surprised about the jump in GVSU student attendance before the fall semester even began. Other attendees included faculty and local citizens.

The market will continue to be open in parking lot F every Wednesday from Sept. 7 to Sept. 28, opening at 10 a.m and closing at 1:30 p.m. As a “kick-off” to the school year, the market will hold a Students’ Day on Sep. 7, featuring giveaways as well as free massages from 12:30 p.m to 1:30 p.m.

[email protected]