Ever since the U-M Farm Stand returned just outside of UMMA, we get this question a lot!

The Farm Stand is a weekly pop-up market and education project that sells produce grown by students for students. It’s held from July through October, 12-3pm on Thursdays, on State St outside of UMMA, near the sculpture Orion. Each week students from the U-M Sustainable Food Program (UMSFP) offer up a selection of fresh produce from the Campus Farm, which is maintained at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Produce options change weekly based on what is fresh and available.

The project seeks to increase access to local food for students and engage the wider U-M community in food systems learning and engagement opportunities. Student shoppers receive a 30 percent discount, and the proceeds from the Farm Stand go towards funding student-led sustainable food initiatives at U-M through UMSFP’s mini-grants for food justice program.

In 2020, the year the farm stand launched, they served over 120 students and raised over $600 for UMSFP’s mini-grants. They also donated almost 500 pounds of food to the Maize and Blue Cupboard.

So, what’s the verdict? Can you carry your fresh head of lettuce into UMMA when you come check out our new Titus Kaphar work? Will a tomato in your pocket rouse suspicions from security?

Let’s just say it’s probably best if you hit up the stand after your visit to the Museum.

Tune in to sustainable food happenings by subscribing to the UMSFP’s weekly newsletter. You can also connect with them on Instagram at @umsustainablefood and @umfarmstand, on Facebook @umsfp, or on their U-M Sustainable Food Program YouTube channel.