Free Produce Initiative Launches on World Food Day

UC Merced will celebrate World Food Day with its first Pop-up Produce program from 10 a.m. to 2 pm. Oct. 16 on Scholars Lane. The Pop-up Produce event provides students with free, local and organic produce twice a month for the academic year.

This month, students can garner fruits and vegetables like green beans, crookneck squash, Asian pears, pomegranates, cucumbers and jalapenos. The produce is purchased from Food Commons Fresno and supports local organic farms.

Pop-up Produce is a collaborative effort between UC Merced Dining Services, Global Foods Initiative (GFI)-Basic Needs Security, Health Promotions and CropMobster Merced County. Future Pop-up Produce dates include Oct. 26, Nov. 9 and 30, Feb. 8 and 22, March 8 and 22, and April 12 and 26. More details will be sent as each date nears.

UC Merced’s Blum Center will offer resources, raffles and giveaways. CalFresh county representatives will also be on campus to assist with CalFresh applications.