After a yearlong hiatus, the Wayne State University Farmers Market returned June 6.

The market is in a new location on the corner of Woodward and Warren. The construction on Cass limited the market traffic in prior years, and the larger grassy space at Woodward and Warren will allow for expansion.

“We want this year’s Farmers Market to be accessible and used by the entire Detroit community. That is why we have picked a location right by the Q-Line and bus stops," said Heather Ladanyi, Division and Center manager. "We will also be offering free 15-minute parking to a limited number of cars on Woodward for people who want to make a quick stop for lunch or purchasing of produce or many other items being sold at the market."

The market will have twice as many vendors this year, including past favorites such as Avalon International Breads. All vendors will be from Michigan, with the majority local to Detroit. New to the market in 2018 will be food trucks and prepared food vendors offering a wide array of lunch options as well as various healthy living activities offered each Wednesday; such as health screenings, nutrition lessons, cooking demonstrations, yoga-in-the-park, and much, much more.

Also new this year is an update to the former faculty and staff advantage program. With funding from Wellness Warriors, the first 100 Wayne State faculty and staff members to show their OneCard at each farmers market will get $5 in free money to spend on the market's fruits and vegetables. Students can also take advantage, with the first 25 Warriors to show their OneCard at the green operations tent also receiving $5 toward the purchase of fruits and vegetables.

 “We are transferring the focus from being just about produce to being an experiential environment. We want this year’s Farmers Market to be a robust experience with activities for everyone in the community,” said Ladanyi.

After ending the Farmers Market in 2016, SEED Wayne handed the reins to the Center for Health and Community Impact located in the Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies, in collaboration with the Office of Campus Sustainability.

The Center for Health and Community Impact works to improve community health by leading research, programs, and advocacy for healthy living. Its faculty members currently run 21 programs in the community for which they have won national recognition. 

The Office of Campus Sustainability works with the university's academic units, facilities, and administrators on sustainability initiatives. The aim of the office is to increase awareness of environmental issues on campus, reduce consumption of energy and other resources, and engage the surrounding community in related activities.

For more information visit the Wayne State University Farmer’s Market Facebook page.