Source: USDA, 6/2/11

TOMORROW, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will ring the opening bell at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 16th annual farmers market season at USDA headquarters. Vilsack will also perform a ribbon-cutting signaling the official debut of D.C. Central Kitchen’s Truck Farm. The Truck Farm is a traveling, edible exhibit that teaches urban kids about healthy food—it’s actually a garden in the back of a 2002 Dodge Ram pick-up, planted with fresh produce.

Other activities are planned for visitors of all ages at USDA on Friday. The People’s Garden will host a Kids Corner with seed planting and other activities for children. The People’s Garden is located directly adjacent to the location of the USDA’s Farmers Market. In addition, the Veterinarian Division of the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service will host an information booth for visitors. Also, Feds Feed Families will have representatives on hand to help kick off their summer food drive to collect items for food banks across the National Capital Region and around the country.

The USDA Farmers Market is an integral part of the Department's commitment to developing wider markets for direct-to-consumer opportunities and expanding access to fresh, healthy food for USDA and other employees on the National Mall. The USDA Farmers Market, held every Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at 12th Street and Independence Ave., S.W. (across the street from the Smithsonian Metro stop), boasts fruits, vegetables, herbs, and bakery products from Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The market attracts up to 2,000 shoppers each market day and hosts live music and other special guests throughout the season.

Friday, June 3, 2011
9:45 a.m. EDTWHAT:          Secretary Tom Vilsack will ring the opening bell of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 16th annual farmers market season at USDA headquarters in Washington. The Secretary will also perform a ribbon-cutting signaling the official debut of D.C. Central Kitchen’s Truck Farm.

WHO:             Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack; Robert Egger, President of D.C. Central Kitchen; Mike Curtin, CEO of D.C. Central Kitchen; Ian Cheney, Manager of national Truck Farm program

WHERE:       USDA Farmers Market, corner of 12th Street and Independence Avenue, SW, along the National Mall

RSVP:            This event is free and open to the public