As the university rolls out the 2012 Campus Campaign, the College of Public Health would like to highlight one of its more popular funds, the Columbus Public Health Farmers' Market Project (fund 313292). Each year, faculty and staff support the farmers’ markets with their dollars and time.

Local farmers bring fresh fruits and vegetables to Columbus' downtown and East Side, areas known for having limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables. In 2011, the College of Public Health supported the event by providing water, T-shirts, and volunteers, who contributed a combined total of more than 140 hours of service. 

Last year, the market served more than 7,500 people, who purchased $3,649 in fresh produce from the market, located at Columbus Public Health headquarters on Parsons Avenue. Those served included 236 Ohio Direction Card (food stamp) customers. In addition, more than 4,500 vouchers from the Women, Infants, and Children? (WIC) program were redeemed. 

The College of Public Health partners with Columbus Public Health and the Franklin County WIC Program to make the market possible. College of Public Health Dean Stan Lemeshow kicked off the market with welcome remarks and a ribbon-cutting that included Mayor Mike Coleman; Mysheika LeMaile-Williams, MD, assistant health commissioner; and Councilman Hearcel Craig.

“We are proud of our partnership with Columbus Public Health in this endeavor and many others as we work together to help people live healthier, more productive lives," says Dean Lemeshow. "We are so grateful to the faculty and staff who support this important initiative."

View pictures from the 2011 farmers’ market here. 

For more information, contact Lisa Frericks, director of development, at (614) 247-4241 or lfrericks@cph.osu.edu. Visit the College of Public Health at cph.osu.edu and make a gift online.