California State University, Fresno students will be offered snack alternatives with the new “Healthy Eating – Fresh from Our Farmâ€Â booth operated by the university’s Student Dietetic Association and Gibson Farm Market.

The booth will be located near the Memorial Fountain at the east end of the Free Speech Area beginning Tuesday, Sept. 2, when it will be formally launched with a “first peach-slicingâ€Â at 11 a.m. Thereafter, it will be open 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. every Tuesday during the fall semester.

At the opening, food science and nutrition students and Gibson Farm Market staff will be joined by University President John D. Welty, College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Dean Charles Boyer, University Farm Director Ganesan Srinivasan and Dietetics Program Director Lisa Herzig to dedicate the new booth.

Every week, students will sell fresh, seasonal produce grown on the University Farm and nutritional information, healthy options and cooking tips will be provided. Produce will include such items as grapes, peaches, pluots, plums, organic vegetables, nectarines and oranges. Extra-virgin olive oil, beef jerky, chocolate milk, fresh herbs, honey and a variety of raisins, almonds and pistachios also will be available.

“This program will give people the tools to follow guidelines we as dietetic students promote while demonstrating how our association is a good resource for fellow students,â€Â said Clarissa Armas, the Student Dietetic Association president-elect.

Herzig said surveys show most college students eat only one or two servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Recommendations are 5-9 servings per day

Welty praised the new initiative, noting, “It will provide more opportunities for our students to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables and will benefit them and the community as a whole.â€Â

The Gibson Farm Market also looks forward to showcasing its student-produced goods, said Jennifer Sobieralski, Gibson Farm Market manager because of new exposure to consumers. The nutrition information, she said, “will encourage everyone to take advantage of the healthy options the Gibson Farm Market offers.â€Â

Discount coupons for the Farm Market will be given to anyone purchasing the healthy snacks at the booth. Proceeds from the weekly event will benefit the Student Dietetic Association and the Farm Market.

For more information, visit www.FresnoStateFarmMarket.com