In the News
DECEMBER 23, 2008
Fresno State Give a Gobbler drive exceeds 100 turkey donations goal- Fresno State News
DECEMBER 17, 2008
DECEMBER 3, 2008
Give A Gobbler Drive - Fresno State News
California State University, Fresno’s top faculty, staff and student leaders are inviting the campus community and the public to join the Fresno State Give a Gobbler drive and donate a student-produced turkey to help people who are hungry this holiday season.
With local charities reporting fewer donations and more demand, due to the difficult economy this year, university President John D. Welty, members of his cabinet and Associated Students Inc. President Graham Wahlberg are launching the effort. Donors purchase a Fresno State turkey that will be provided in the donor’s name to Poverello House or the Community Food Bank.
The drive will be formally launched at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market on campus when Welty, cabinet members and Wahlberg make the first Give a Gobbler purchases.
Jim Connell, executive director of Poverello House, and Kim Peracchi, food resource coordinator for the Community Food Bank, also will attend the kickoff.
The campus community effort is intended to steer the university’s community service resources to less fortunate neighbors during these extra difficult economic times.
This is the second year the University Farm has donated turkeys to help feed those in need. The difference is that individuals and organizations can pitch in, too.
Two weeks ago, the University Farm donated 25 frozen turkeys and a supply of plums to Poverello House. Plums also went to the Community Food Bank and the Bulldog Pantry, which is a food-for-the-hungry program operating near Fresno State.
Last week, Welty and his cabinet, in a letter urging faculty, staff and student participation, outlined the Give a Gobbler plan. Each $25 contribution will provide a 20- to 25-pound student-produced turkey to be donated to a local charity in the donor’s name. But the drive is open to community donors, too.
The president set a goal of 100 turkeys that would be distributed to the two charities on Dec. 23, according to donor preference. A donor board will be posted in the market tracking the drive’s progress. The turkeys will be delivered by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology and its University Agricultural Laboratory (University Farm). The Bud and Jan Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning at Fresno State will partner with the University Farm to attract community donations.
“The economic downturn has caused a sharp decline in food donations to charitable organizations that feed families in need throughout our region,” Welty said in the Nov. 25 letter. “Sadly, this shortage is happening when demand is up sharply because more people face hardship.
“At this giving time of the year, the Cabinet and I urge you all to reach out and feed someone through our Fresno State Give A Gobbler drive. You will be helping our community’s hungry people and their families, and also supporting our agricultural program.”
Welty noted that Poverello House estimates it needs about 1,000 turkeys in its freezer during December to serve everyone who needs food, and that other groups also need help filling their cupboards.
The university first began its turkey donation program last November with 50 frozen turkeys that Poverello used at its annual Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless that year. Last year was the first year that Fresno State turkeys were packaged as part of its poultry program.
In 2004, the Animal Science Department began offering a poultry management course taught by Professor Michelle Ganci and entered into a partnership with Zacky Farms that places 12-24 qualified students in a summer intern program at the downtown Fresno processing plant and various other facilities.
The partnership is intended to promote a better understanding of the poultry industry, Ganci said, as well as provide a well-rounded academic and practical experience for Fresno State ag students.
Students raise the turkeys on the campus farm under the guidance of faculty members and with financial and technical support from Zacky farms. Students were involved in all aspects of the project from everyday poultry maintenance, such as checking data on water treatments and diet, to research assistance.
The birds are processed at Zacky Farms and sold through the university’s poultry enterprise in the Gibson Farm Market. This year, the frozen turkeys sell for $1.19 a pound. As with all student farm products, proceeds help strengthen Fresno State’s teaching and research programs in agriculture.
After news reports about local charities not having enough to feed those in need this holiday season, Ganesan Srinivasan, director of the University Farm, proposed a universitywide drive to allow individuals to contribute turkeys to charities. The President and his top administrators immediately embraced the idea.
Welty will be joined at the kickoff by four members of his Cabinet who will make the first purchases: Dr. Jeri Echeverria, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs; Dr. Paul Oliaro, vice president for Student Affairs; Dr. Peter Smits, vice president for Advancement; and Cynthia Teniente-Matson, vice president for Administration.
Donors can participate in Give a Gobbler by sending a check for $25 for each turkey payable to CSUF Agricultural Foundation. The check should be mailed to Director, Agricultural Operations, 2385 E. Barstow Ave., M/S AG85, Fresno, CA 93740. Please also indicate Poverello House or Community Food Bank as the recipient.
Or stop by the Gibson Farm Market and purchase a Give A Gobbler donation using cash, check, or credit (Visa or Mastercard). A valid ID must accompany a check/credit payment.
The Gibson Farm Market, which serves as a retail outlet for student-produced Fresno State farm-fresh products, is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday- Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. For more information: 559.278.4511.
OCTOBER 27, 2008
Gibson Farm Market's pumpkin carving contest winners announced, pictures featured in the Collegian Newspaper
OCTOBER 24, 2008
Pumpkin Carving Contest - Fresno State News
Pumpkin-carving vote ends today at Gibson Farm Market
It’s seven days until Halloween and the Gibson Farm Market at California State University, Fresno has started the spooky fun with a pumpkin-carving contest judged by customers.
Fresno State-themed pumpkins, carved by students, are on display in the store until 6 p.m., when the winners will be announced.
The student-run enterprise’s weekly tasting of Fresno State student-produced, award-winning wines also is today from 4 to 6 p.m. The tasting fee of $5 includes a commemorative Fresno State Winery glass. Wine tasting is open to those 21 years of age with valid ID.
Seasonal produce available for sale at the store includes plums, peaches, pomegranates and Crimson grapes (red seedless). The Gibson Farm Market also sells student-produced dairy products, meat, nuts, jams, sauces and olive oil.
The Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market, at the corner of Chestnut and Barstow avenues, is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
For more information call 559.278.4511.
SEPTEMBER 3, 2008
Gibson Farm Market's Healthy Eating featured in Fresno State's Collegian Newspaper
AUGUST 28, 2008
Healthy Eating - Fresno State News
Healthy Eating provides lunch alternatives at Fresno State
(August 28, 2008) – California State University, Fresno students will be offered snack alternatives with the new “Healthy Eating – Fresh from Our Farm” booth operated by the university’s Student Dietetic Association and Gibson Farm Market.
The booth will be located near the Memorial Fountain at the east end of the Free Speech Area beginning Tuesday, Sept. 2, when it will be formally launched with a “first peach-slicing” at 11 a.m. Thereafter, it will be open 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. every Tuesday during the fall semester.
At the opening, food science and nutrition students and Gibson Farm Market staff will be joined by University President John D. Welty, College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Dean Charles Boyer, University Farm Director Ganesan Srinivasan and Dietetics Program Director Lisa Herzig to dedicate the new booth.
Every week, students will sell fresh, seasonal produce grown on the University Farm and nutritional information, healthy options and cooking tips will be provided. Produce will include such items as grapes, peaches, pluots, plums, organic vegetables, nectarines and oranges. Extra-virgin olive oil, beef jerky, chocolate milk, fresh herbs, honey and a variety of raisins, almonds and pistachios also will be available.
"This program will give people the tools to follow guidelines we as dietetic students promote while demonstrating how our association is a good resource for fellow students,” said Clarissa Armas, the Student Dietetic Association president-elect.
Herzig said surveys show most college students eat only one or two servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Recommendations are 5-9 servings per day
Welty praised the new initiative, noting, “It will provide more opportunities for our students to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables and will benefit them and the community as a whole.”
The Gibson Farm Market also looks forward to showcasing its student-produced goods, said Jennifer Sobieralski, Gibson Farm Market manager because of new exposure to consumers. The nutrition information, she said, “will encourage everyone to take advantage of the healthy options the Gibson Farm Market offers.”
Discount coupons for the Farm Market will be given to anyone purchasing the healthy snacks at the booth. Proceeds from the weekly event will benefit the Student Dietetic Association and the Farm Market.
For more information, visit www.FresnoStateFarmMarket.com
(Gibson Farm Market student-assistant manager, Meghan Grennan, an ag communications student, contributed to this copy)
AUGUST 8, 2008
Gibson Farm Market on KSEE 24 Central Valley Today with Alex Delagado
5th Annual Fig Fest to be held on
Fresno State Campus
Calimyrna, Black Mission, Kadota, and more! A fig-tastic display of one of the Central Valley’s most treasured crops comes to Fresno State this year with the 2008 Fig Fest. The celebration will take place on August 9, 2008 from 9 am to noon, between the Ag Science building and the Satellite Student Union.
The California Fig Advisory Board, along with the Gibson Farm Market at Fresno State, will showcase fresh and dried figs, gourmet food samples, amazing recipes, and cooking demonstrations.
Admission to the event is $5 with proceeds to benefit Slow Food Madera and the Ag One Foundation at Fresno State. Tickets can be pre-purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com.
The Gibson Farm Market will sample its student-produced goods paired with fresh California-grown figs, including a stuffed fig recipe using Fresno State cheese, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and student-grown rosemary.
The University Farm’s Dairy Processing Unit will sample a new ice cream flavor - Fig Cookies and Cream - developed by students at the lab. The tasting will carry on throughout the event and ice cream will be available for purchase in limited quantities at the Gibson Farm Market.
To highlight fig-friendly wines, a special wine tasting will be held at the Gibson Farm Market from 10:30 am to 2 pm. The cost is $5 and includes a pouring of the new ’07 Soleil Rose, ’07 Muscat Canelli, and Tailgate Rose. Tasters also receive a commemorative Fresno State Winery glass and exclusive coupons.
Fresh, seedless grapes are now in season with Sweet Scarlet, Summer Royal, and Thompson varieties currently in store. The widely-acclaimed Fresno State sweet corn continues harvest and is expected to last until late September. Also available at the market are tomatoes, seeded watermelon, plums, pluots, bell peppers, and Italian peppers.
The Gibson Farm Market is open year-round, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 7 pm; Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm; and Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm. To accommodate the fall semester, store hours will change Aug. 25 to Monday through Friday, 9 am to 6 pm; Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm; and Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm.
For more information, please call 559.278.4511, or visit www.californiafigs.com
(Gibson Farm Market student-assistant manager, Meghan Grennan, an ag communications student, contributed to this copy)
AUGUST 4, 2008
July Reusable Bag Winners:
- $50 Gift Certificate - Ginger Thomas
- $10 Gift Certificate - John Woods, Yvonne Schnemmer,
Fern Fay, Richard Scholz, and Frank
- Olive Oil - Dan West
JULY 3, 2008
June Reusable Bag Winners:
- $50 Gift Certificate - Sheri Fisher
- $10 Gift Certificate - Brenda Clouse, Dolores Keswick, Diane Nedlo, Cyndi Avantz, and Keith Richards
- Olive Oil - Edna Maggio
Thank you for helping the Gibson Farm Market reduce waste!
JUNE 26, 2008
|
The Gibson Farm Market would like to say... CONGRATULATIONS!!! to the Fresno State Diamond 'Dogs 2008 NCAA College World Series CHAMPIONS! |
