Media Advisory: Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Will Open USDA Farmers Market; Announce New Health and Wellness Partnership for Federal Workers

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Media Advisory No. 0027.16

Contact: USDA Office of Communications (202) 720-4623

 

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Will Open USDA Farmers Market; Announce New Health and Wellness Partnership for Federal Workers

WASHINGTON, May 5, 2016 – TOMORROW, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will open the USDA Farmers Market for its 21st season. Vilsack will also announce a partnership with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and General Services Administration (GSA) to improve the health and wellness of Federal employees and communities. 

Farmers markets provide consumers with access to fresh produce and goods while providing growers with access with ways to sell directly to their customers. The number of farmers markets nationwide has increased by 93.3 percent between 2006 and 2014, and the USDA Farmers Market directory now lists over 8,500 farmers markets nationwide.

WHO: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service Administrator Elanor Starmer, Office of Personnel Management Acting Director Beth Cobert, and General Service Administration National Capital Regional Administrator Julia Hudson 

WHEN: Friday, May 6, beginning at 8:30 a.m. EDT 

WHERE: USDA Farmers Market, 12th Street and Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C.  (Smithsonian Metro Stop) 

WHAT: The USDA Farmers Market provides Federal employees, tourists, and local residents with fresh, nutritious food options in downtown Washington, D.C.

The market features 32 vendors offering an eclectic mix of locally produced options for breakfast or lunch, including an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, dairy products, cured meats, baked goods, and more. Shoppers can picnic in the Headquarters People’s Garden next to the market or take purchases home to enjoy with friends and family.

The USDA Farmers Market, located at the corner of 12th Street and Independence Avenue, S.W., is open to the public on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 6 through October 28, 2016.  

Members of the media who wish to attend should email press@oc.usda.gov to RSVP.

 

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