Just in time to help reinforce New Year’s goals to eat healthier, Fresh FAVs is returning to campus!

Now in its second semester, Fresh FAVs is a new program that aims to increase the availability and consumption of fresh produce on campus. Open to students, faculty, and staff, the program is similar to a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program. Since the program buys produce in bulk from US Foods, the price is very low for members.

Fresh FAVs is a collaboration between the dietetic interns of Family and Consumer Sciences, Campus Dining, and Health Promotion and Wellness.

What do you get?

Fresh FAVs is an eight-week program in which participants pay a one-time fee and pick up produce on campus once a week. Typically, participants receive a 50/50 split of fruits and vegetables. Recipes are also sent each week that correspond with the produce arriving members will receive. There are three size options for bags:

    • Small bag (for approximately 1-2 people) = $55 total (breaks down to only $6.88/week)
    • Medium bag (for approximately 3-4 people) = $100 total (breaks down to only $12.50/week)
    • Large bag (for approximately 5-6 people) = $150 total (breaks down to only $18.75/week)

Your one-time payment covers all eight weeks of the program. Bags will be available for pickup every Friday during the program at the John Green Food Service Building. Pickup times are between noon–1:30 p.m. and between 3:30–5 p.m.

How to register

The spring program runs for eight weeks, from February 28 to April 25. There is no pickup the week of spring break. The registration deadline is Wednesday, February 19. For more information and to download a registration form, visit Wellness.IllinoisState.edu/Healthy-Living/Nutrition/FreshFAVs.shtml. Email Erin Moses or call (309) 438-WELL (9355) with any questions.

What fall semester participants said about Fresh FAVs

“This expanded the food of vegetables I typically eat and forced me to find new ways to prepare them.”

“Bigger variety than I expected, was always fun to see what we got each week!”

“It was so convenient to have a bag of fresh fruits and veggies waiting for me every week. I know it sounds crazy, but it takes a long time to choose produce at the grocery store and without recipes in mind, I’m a lot less likely to purchase produce. When I had the produce in my kitchen, I was challenged to make sure it was eaten before it spoiled!”

“Loved the program in general. It really helped our household into eating more fruits and vegetables.”

“This program was absolutely wonderful. It really cut down on my grocery shopping. Some of it was produce that I would normally buy and some of it I had never tried before. I think the cost was really good also.”

“I enjoyed trying new vegetables and fruits. I feel I ate healthier during this time.” 

Nutrition consults available

Looking for additional nutrition guidance? Schedule a free nutrition consult with Health Promotion and Wellness.