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Cal Poly students can pick up free fresh fruit and vegetables today at the University Union Plaza, as ASI Student Government and ASI Events stage a pop-up farmers market aimed at increasing on-campus access to local produce. The market runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is expected to distribute roughly $8,000 worth of goods.
Attendees must bring their PolyCard to receive items. The initiative responds to repeated student requests for on-campus food options and also gives an economic boost to nearby farms and small businesses.
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What’s available and how it works
The market will offer a variety of produce sourced from local growers. Organizers say quantities are limited and will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis to students presenting valid campus ID.
- Produce: apples, avocados, carrots, cucumbers, strawberries and assorted nuts
- Giveaways from local shops: a record player with vinyl from Boo Boo Records, two Palm Theatre season tickets, and original artwork from Buen Dia
- Extras: free sandwiches and coffee announced on the Cal Poly ASI Instagram
ASI chief of staff Tanner Schinderle, a political science junior, said the event is the result of sustained student interest. Campus surveys conducted over recent years highlighted demand for a farmers market, and this popup is intended as a first step toward meeting that need while promoting town–gown partnerships.
Live music, community focus
The market overlaps with SLO Music Hour: student band frogslo will perform from 11 a.m. to noon. Organizers expect the music and business giveaways to make the plaza a social hub during the lunch hour.
Beyond immediate benefits to students, the event has broader implications: expanding access to fresh produce on campus can improve food security for students on tight budgets, and directing purchases to local vendors supports the regional agricultural economy.
Schinderle noted that ASI has pursued opportunities like this for several years and hopes today’s market will strengthen relationships with community partners and inform future on-campus food programming.
