Produce for the Week:

• Fresh Strawberries
• Yellow and zucchini squash
• Tomatoes
• Sweet Potatoes
• Pecan
• Green Bell Pepper
• Cucumbers
• Cabbages
• New Potatoes

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"State Employees' Farmer on the Mall"

State Employees’ Farmer on the Mall resumed this past April with a bounty of fresh fruits and veggies!! Farmer Roger Ball is dedicated to bringing the best produce possible to State Employees at a convenient location. Employees will also be able to enjoy a new convenience in making that purchase of fresh goodness as Farmer on the Mall now accepts debit and credit cards on all purchases. Not only are employees able to shop  conveniently but also wisely because eating fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables brings positive benefits to employee health and our local economy. Eating a more plant based diet helps to reduce the risk of many chronic illnesses.  Also, for every dollar spent -it is estimated that $3 to$7 dollars is returned to the local economy.

Farmer Ball, member of the Got to be NC Agriculture program, is our host farmer for this Office Of State Personnel Comprehensive Wellness Initiative.  He is located on the Bicentennial Mall near the Liberty Bell across from the Legislative Building  each Tuesday from 11 am - 2 pm and on the Halifax Mall between the Revenue Building and the Department of Public Instruction Building every Thursday from 11 am - 2 pm (view map).  Parking is almost impossible, so walking to these sites from your office is the best method of transportation!  Bags for purchases are always provided but shoppers are welcome to bring their own bag to transport goodies. Farmer Ball is available rain or shine unless dangerous weather conditions exist.

When and Where the Farmer Will Be

Click on map for larger view and to print.

This is a collaborative pilot project thanks to the wonderful help of Ronnie Condrey of the Department of Insurance; Commissioner Troxler and staff of the Department of Agriculture; Secretary Carey and team of the Department of Administration; the Office of State Personnel; the State Health Plan; and the Department of Health & Human Services, Division of Public Health/Physical Activity & Nutrition Branch (PAN).  Please watch for information about the “State Employees’ Farmer on the Mall” on the OSP Wellness Website (coming soon); the State Health Plan Website and Eat Smart Move More Website.

Curious as to what is in season and when? Take a look at the What's In Season? availability chart.  If you are curious as to how fruits and vegetables help you stay healthy take a look at the Synergy Wheel courtesy of Department of Agriculture.

Not sure how to store and cook those beautiful vegetables that you just bought? Helpful recipes can be found at:

• www.gottobenccooking.com
• www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org
• http://www.myeatsmartmovemore.com/FruitsAndVeggies.html
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  And special Fruit and Veggie Expert- NC’s own Produce Lady, Brenda Sutton who works for Rockingham Cooperative Extension Service teaching farmers and consumers the wonders of locally grown fruits and vegetables - can be found at www.theproducelady.org.