University of Houston students, staff and faculty will be able to shop for locally sourced and produced food items without having to leave campus when the UH Farmers Market launches later this month.

The inaugural event, which will feature approximately a dozen vendors and is being organized by UH Dining Services and the Office of Sustainability, will take place Wednesday, Sept. 27, from noon to 4 p.m., in the Student Center South circle drive. It will continue every other Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m. throughout the fall semester at varying locations across campus, with the exception of Thanksgiving week:

• Oct 11: Lynn Eusan Park
• Oct 25: Student Center South circle drive
• Nov 8: Lynn Eusan Park
• Nov 29: Wilhelmina Grove

Besides local farmers, the market will feature vendors selling a wide array of locally produced items, ranging from lavender products to olive oil to kombucha to dried fruits and nuts.

Lauren Ross, a registered dietitian and UH Dining’s director of Wellness and Sustainability, said the market will be a wonderful opportunity for the UH community and the general public not only to buy locally grown fresh produce and other items, but also to connect with the small-business owners and farmers who play a key role in the local food system.

“It is much more sustainable and has less impact on the environment to buy locally grown produce,” said Ross. “It’s also important to know and understand where your food comes from and the impact it has on the environment. Plus, it is always beneficial to support local farmers and vendors. We hope everyone embraces this great opportunity.”

UH Dining is committed to reducing its own overall carbon footprint through local sourcing, responsible purchasing and educating the UH community about sustainability in campus dining. Learn more about UH Dining’s sustainability program by visiting its website. To learn more about the Office of Sustainability’s role in serving as a hub for campus sustainability efforts, visit its website.