The Facts: The Campus Farmers Market begins its fall semester service today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Three vendors will offer students a variety of fresh, local produce and other sustainable items in the Brickyard.

Our Opinion: The Student Government Sustainability Commission correctly recognized the necessity of a farmers market that was accessible to students. The healthy food options and sustainability message is a good move by the commission.

The Campus Farmers Market returns to the Brickyard, for the first time in many years, today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event, which planners intend to hold every Wednesday in the Brickyard through Nov. 18, presents students with an opportunity to purchase local produce and other sustainable products close to home.

Student Government’s Sustainability Commission is providing students a great lesson in environmental awareness and is showing them some of the fruits of that labor.

The local food movement has grown considerably over the last several decades, especially with the rise of the sustainability movement.

An increasing number of students on campus, and the community in general, are deeply concerned with farming practices and the many other issues associated with commercial farming. To present these issues to the student body and raise awareness for sustainable practices naturally blends with the mission of a land-grant university in the 21st century.

North Carolina has a rich history of agriculture — the Sustainability Commission should be commended for seeing that the University extends that legacy to the local community.

The market, which consists of three local vendors and a booth with information about sustainability, will offer fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh eggs, milk, assorted local meat and other sustainable products.

Fresh produce, especially that of the organic variety, is good for student wellbeing and can serve as an important supplement to the typical college diet of Cookout and ramen.

The inclusion of an extra, healthy, option for students is an important public service, especially for students who don’t have the time or transportation to reach the State Farmers Market off of Centennial Parkway.

The economic arguments behind the local movement are arguable, but the benefit to students’ health is unquestionable.

The Campus Farmers Market presents an important lesson on sustainability to students while providing them an accessible healthy and fresh food option.

This is a welcome addition to the Brickyard. Students should try and take a couple minutes out of their Wednesdays and spend it on their health.