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Fresh Foods On Campus 312 English Street Wilmington, DE 19810 (302) 555-5555

November 2, 2009

Ms. Susan B. Bogan Director University of Delaware Dining Services 153 Perkins Student Center Newark, DE. 19716

Dear Ms. Bogan,

Thank you for your interest in Fresh Foods On Campus. Your letter indicated that the University of Delaware may be interested in implementing more fresh food options for your students. We are a nonprofit organization that promotes healthy eating on campus.

We are pleased to submit the following proposal for the University of Delaware to use Fresh Foods On Campus. While we know that your dining halls provide healthy meal options, our company offers students access to local, organic fruits and vegetables without having to leave campus. We believe that our services will help boost local agricultural sales as well as provide the means for a healthier campus.

The enclosed proposal provides an outline of our objectives, how we will collect information based on your campus, and why our organization will be a benefit to your university.

If you have any questions or concerns about our proposal, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above address.

Sincerely,

//Rachel Whitaker//

Rachel Whitaker Campus Analyst

Enclosure – University of Delaware FFOC Proposal

Introduction: It has come to our attention that the University of Delaware is striving to promote healthy eating for all Blue Hens. When students first arrive at college they have the freshman fifteen to contend with. This is the unwanted weight gain, usually of about fifteen pounds, that many freshmen experience in their first year. //Newsweek// magazine notes that this unwanted weight is usually due to a loss of structure that students have while they are away from home where their parents make the decisions. While campus marts and dining halls at the University have some healthy options,  they is not enough . Students need access to fresh foods in their own rooms or at their own convenience (Cornblatt).

Our proposition is to is to research the possibilities of bringing fresh fruits, vegetables, and other wholesome foods right to the students. We believe that if such items are readily available, the eating habits of the students will become healthier. **

For students in college, eating healthy can be just as difficult as a senior engineering class. Food becomes the main vehicle for socialization. Instead of sitting down with the family every night for dinner, students use this time to bond with their peers. No longer do students eat healthy meals that their parents provide, as it is more convenient for students to eat with their friends, usually meals loaded with empty calories.
 * Background of the problem:**

However, some students do realize the benefits of a well balanced diet and try to take advantage of the options that the University of Delaware has to offer. The dining halls have a salad bar daily, yet the soda, cakes, and pasta dishes far outweigh the vegetables. The campus markets do sell leading organic brands, such as Kashi products, along with others. However, they also offer sugary juices, candy, and chips. These unhealthy options often distract students from making healthier choices. Nowhere on campus can students buy fresh fruits and vegetables, besides the occasional apple or orange. Leading experts say that these types of food are the best for you, yet they are not readily available.

Since fresh food options are not easy to find around campus, students need to take the initiative to find them elsewhere. One way they can get around the campus dining options is to go to a grocery store to buy their own food. This is a simple task for those students who have cars. However, not all students have that luxury. Parking passes for campus cost over four hundred dollars alone, not to mention the cost of insurance, gas, maintenance, and the actual vehicle. The school does have a bus system, but it only stops at the grocery store once a week. Fresh produce from a grocery store is also extremely expensive. Unhealthy foods are usually the cheapest and most convenient option.

A program that provides convenience as well as a variety of options will promote healthy eating habits and prevent some students from gaining the dreaded freshmen fifteen.

Our main objective is to increase healthy eating habits on the University of Delaware campus t hrough the addition of weekly produce stands on campus. After conducting student interest polls and providing research on the benefits of fresh and unprocessed foods, we will partner with local farmers and chefs to coordinate the weekly farmers markets. Not only will this promote healthy eating habits, it will boost the local agricultural industry in the process. **
 * Objectives:

The follow steps will be taken to assess the viability of this project:
 * Procedure:**


 * 1) University of Delaware students will be polled to determine interest
 * The poll will be held over the span of 3 days (2 weekdays and 1 weekend day), from 12pm-4pm each day.
 * The goal is to survey a total of 150 students.
 * Surveyors will be positioned outside of the two main student union buildings(Trabant and Perkins), as well as the local grocery stores (Pathmark and Acme).
 * Questions will include:
 * How often do you go grocery shopping?
 * What kinds of items do you buy/what percent are fresh produce?
 * Do you have a car on campus?
 * Do you have a hard time finding fresh produce on or around campus?
 * If there was a farmers market on campus, would you shop there?
 * How important is healthy eating to you
 * 1) Executive chefs and other professionals in the Newark area will be interviewed and asked to participate in/sponsor this program. Some will include the Executive Chef of Vita Nova, the student run restaurant on campus, and leaders in Dining Services/Aramark.
 * 2) Secondary research will be done on the benefits of consuming fresh foods versus processed food, and how it affects mental and physical performance in school.
 * 3) Research will be done on similar projects on other college campuses and their success.
 * 4) We will meet with you to discuss our findings.

Here at Fresh Foods On Campus, we are proud to be in our fourteenth year of offering students healthy alternatives for cheap prices at convenient locations. We are currently located on over 200 college campuses across the country, and have seen nothing but positive results. We have been featured in Healthy Living for our efforts and contributions. Fresh Foods on Campus has a great deal to offer the University of Delaware, and will do so at a reasonable cost.
 * Record of Service (or Justification):**

As a non-profit organization the payment required by The University of Delaware will only be to cover the following: It is estimated that the cost of such a project will be about $37,000.00. This cost will cover an hourly rate of $20.00 for 8 hours of work per day for four people until the project is complete. It will also cover the cost to create a survey, compile the research, research local vendors, a nd to create a detailed implementation plan.
 * Budget:**
 * Consultant Fee
 * Research
 * Implantation plan

November 12th-14th - Preliminary research of the student body. November 16th-18th - Survey of area chefs. November 19th-20th - Research on the benefits of eating fresh foods. November 20th- 27th - Research on healthy eating at other universities. December 8th - Presentation of implementation plan.
 * Schedule:**

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Fresh Foods On Campus 312 English Street Wilmington, DE 19810 (302) 555-5555

November 25, 2009

Ms. Susan B. Bogan Director University of Delaware Dining Services 153 Perkins Student Center Newark, DE. 19716

Dear Ms. Bogan,

Enclosed you will find a report detailing The University of Delaware's opportunity to increase student health by including a Farmer's Market on campus. Much primary and secondary research is included to support our proposal.

While we know that your dining halls provide healthy meal options, our company offers students access to local, organic fruits and vegetables without having to leave campus. We believe that our services will help boost local agricultural sales as well as provide the means for a healthier campus.

We, at Fresh Foods on Campus, hope you will find everything you need in this report to make an informed decision. Please contact us at the above address or phone number if you have any further questions. Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,

//Rachel Whitaker//

Rachel Whitaker Campus Analyst

__Title Page__
The University of Delaware’s Opportunity to Increase Healthy Eating and Local Agriculture by Including a Farmer's Market on Campus Distributed December 11th, 2009

Prepared by Fresh Foods On Campus: Mikaela Gioconda Sheela Mathew Sara McCartan Molly Werner Casey Westhoff

__Executive Summary__
In the following report, the proposal of including a Farmer’s Market on the University of Delaware’s campus will be discussed. We, at Fresh Goods on Campus, believe that the health of students nationwide is becoming an issue. To approach this problem we tried to find the right balance of education and action.

The “Freshman 15” has become an epidemic across college campuses nationwide. This indicates that there is a lack of education or options of healthy food on college campuses. These young adults are on their own for the first times in their lives, and need help and information on healthy eating habits.

To determine the importance of healthy eating to college students, Fresh Foods on Campus created a survey, which was distributed to 150 University of Delaware students. We found that eating healthy is important to 75% of students polled, but most don’t have the means to acquire fresh fruits and vegetables, or they simple don’t know where to get them close by. Placing a daily Farmer’s Market in the center of campus would make fresh produce more accessible. It would also stimulate local agriculture.

In addition to polling University of Delaware students, we also completed secondary research on the benefits of healthy eating, as well as the success of similar programs completed at other colleges. Local chefs, including Joe DiGregorio, the executive chef of the student run restaurant, Vita Nova, and Deborah Ellingsworth, a pastry chef and instructor for the Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management program, were interviewed to determine their stance on the subject. Their involvement and sponsorship would make this project even more successful. Which other schools?

We, at Fresh Goods on Campus, believe this would be a great opportunity to increase healthy eating and local agriculture in the Newark area. Increasing awareness and access to healthier foods will make for a more physically and mentally fit student body. Creating good eating habits now is something that students will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

__Introduction__
This report is being issued to provide the University of Delaware with relevant information regarding a campus-run Farmer's Market as a healthy and convenient alternative to the dining hall. The lack of accessible fresh produce on the Newark campus is preventing many students from abiding by healthy diets. Through the administration of surveys to students, interviews of local chefs, and studies of other colleges, this report aims to enable the University of Delaware to be knowledgeable enough to determine the most beneficial solution.

Maintaining a healthy diet is the most important part of living a long and healthy life. Food supplies our body with the nutrients it needs to run and be productive. Nutrients are needed to keep all of the biological processes working productively. The three essential nutrients protein, carbohydrates, and fat provide energy to the body(WebMD). Other things the body needs are fiber, phytochemicals and antioxidants to run efficiently (WebMD). All of these things can be found by following a healthy diet with foods found on the food pyramid. Healthy meals need to be balanced, varied and have everything in moderation.

Healthy eating keeps the body disease free. A healthy diet especially reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke(American Heart Association). Additionally, eating fruits and vegetables and maintaining a healthy weight has been found to decrease the chance of cancer(American Cancer Society). Healthy eating also helps manage other diseases. High blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, and osteoporosis are all diseases where the main treatment is a healthy diet (WebMD).

A healthy diet is not hard to maintain. It means eating lots of fruits and vegetables are filled with vitamins and minerals which give you energy and lower the risk of many diseases (American Cancer Society). Grains are also very important. These complex carbohydrates make up most of your calorie intake and provide the body with most of its energy (Mayo Clinic). Other healthy foods to enjoy are fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein(British Heart Foundation). Foods to avoid include saturated fats, trans fats, and an excess of sodium and cholesterol (Mayo Clinic).

Based on this information, we find that students have a great deal to gain and nothing to lose by maintaining a healthy diet and weight. Therefore this report makes suggestions about how the University of Delaware can promote healthy choices.

The city of Newark provides its residents with health food options, however it is rather difficult for many college students to take advantage of them. Newark Natural Foods, located on East Main Street about one mile from main campus, holds a weekly farmers market on Sundays from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. Unfortunately, the market is only held from May until the last Sunday before Thanksgiving in November. It is also not in close proximity to most residence halls, making it difficult for students without cars to attend. Prices are often a bit too pricey for the typical college student's budget, resulting in many students resorting to the dining hall where they can use their meal plan.

__Procedure and Results__
//Survey of University of Delaware Students//

Our team surveyed 150 students from the University of Delaware. We administered the survey over the course of three days (Friday, November 20; Saturday, November 21; Monday, November 23). The locations of the surveys were: Perkins Student Center, the Trabant Student Center, Pathmark (Newark - College Square), and Acme (Newark - Suburban Drive). Procedure of the survey are as follows:
 * From the hours of 12 P.M. to 4 P.M., surveyors took positions outside of the survey site on three separate days (both listed above).
 * These days, locations, and times were chosen because of the possibility of a higher traffic of students that would be more likely to take a survey regarding their eating/grocery shopping habits.
 * As possible subjects passed by the locations, surveyors approached them if they looked between the ages of 16-25.
 * Approaching only possible subjects that appeared between the ages of 18-21 would most likely result in leaving out younger and older looking University of Delaware undergraduate students.
 * Asked subject if he/she was a student at the University of Delaware.
 * If response was yes, we asked subject to fill out a survey.
 * If the response was no, no survey was administered.
 * At each survey site, 37 or 38 surveys were gathered to complete a total of 150 surveys.

The survey participants comprised of 37 freshmen, 37 sophomores, 42 juniors, and 36 seniors. Of the students surveyed, 85 were female and 65 were male. Figure 1 shows the eating habits of students surveyed. The results showed that majority of the students wished they ate fresh foods daily. Also, the survey showed that majority of t he students survey either rarely or never used the university's dining facilities. Majority of the students survey said that they go grocery shopping weekly. Some bias might have been involved, though, by interviewing students by grocery stores. Some bias also could be the confusion of dining facilities including not only the dining halls, but the student food courts and snack bars.


 * Figure 1**: Survey Results showing eating habits at the University of Delaware

Most students showed interest in the idea of a weekly farmer's market (Figure 2), and said that they would purchase healthier foods if they were more convenient (Figure 3).


 * Figure 2:** Survey results showing interest in a weekly farmers market




 * Figure 3:** Survey results of questions 16



When asked if students had ever heard of or visited Newark Natural Foods and Newark Natural Foods Farmer's Market, most students said they had not (Figure 4 and 5).


 * Figure 4:** Survey results showing students' knowledge of Newark Natural Foods


 * Figure 5:** Survey results showing students' knowledge of Newark Natural Foods Farmers Market

Duplicating this graph doesn't make sense.Make 2 different graphs or just use this once. // Interview with Professionals // Our team interviewed two chefs at the University of Delaware that work closely with students at Vita Nova, a fine dining restaurant located on the second floor of the Trabant University Center. Joe DiGregorio is not only the executive chef of Vita Nova but also the sponsor of Slow Foods. According to DiGregorio, Slow Foods is, “an idea, a way of living and a way of eating. It is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment.”

Deborah Ellingsworth is a pastry chef and chef instructor for the Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management program on campus. She not only teaches classes, but she is the sponsor of the student organization, Baker's Dozen. Ellingsworth and DiGregorio both believe in promoting healthy eating habits around campus. Ellingsworth said, “providing more healthy eating options is important to the campus. If these items are easily available and are made to taste good, [she thinks] more students would consume them.” DiGregorio suggests that students should, “make fresh fruit and vegetables a daily part of [students’ diets] and eat a little less meat and poultry,” yet he also adds that students should not deny themselves “the pleasure of a burger…on occasion.”

Ellingsworth explained, “eating non-processed/fresh foods is important, however, on campus, as in the ‘outside world’ it is not easy to do.” She also added that “it is not convenient to obtain unprocessed foods and convenience is important to our lifestyles. That being said, I think a lot of people go for the easy choice of processed foods.” Although, as DiGregorio stated, “it is up to the individual to make a choice on what they eat.”

When asked about their views on a possibly way to bring fresh foods to campus, Ellingsworth believes that farmer’s markets would be beneficial not only to students, but to the faculty and staff. “Speaking for myself,” Ellingsworth said, “I love going to farmer’s markets because the fresh food is so appealing and it’s all in one place. It’s also a great experience to talk to farmers. Going to farmer’s markets can be a great social experience.” DiGregorio on the other hand said that, “the idea of a farmer’s market is a nice idea, but I’m not sure that a weekly one would benefit either the students or farmers.”

Both Ellingsworth and DiGregorio agree that organic foods are better. DiGregorio stated, “organic is better because of the non-use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, growth hormones, etc.” Ellingsworth added, “organic foods do have an appeal to people because of the fact that no pesticides are utilized in the growing process,” although she does notice that “the higher price (sometimes substantial) is a deterrent to some people.”

To Ellingsworth, one of the reasons she enjoys fresh foods is that an individual can purchase whatever amount is desired. “If you just want one potato, for example, you can buy one potato.”

//Supplementary Research: Farmer's Market at Other Schools//
Several college campuses already take advantage of the benefits a farmer's market can bring. University students are an eager market for this type of healthy option University of South Carolina has a monthly farmer's market on McCarthey Quad. They began this program to become “better environmental stewards, to put a focus on where our food comes from, who grows it, how it gets to our plates.” (MacVean). Princeton also began a student run market in 2007. In addition UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, UC San Diego, Stanford, Harvard, Brown, Portland State, University of Minnesota, University of Maine, and University of Arizona all have successfully starts these markets at their Universities. Citation? At UC Davis a campus book project inspired the idea of a farmer's market on campus. They began their weekly market in 2006 with support of dining services and several on campus groups. Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Agriculture sells fresh produce, eggs, and meat everyday. They located their store right across the street from main campus making it perfect for the students. Because most students live in dorm without kitchens it is important to offer fresh foods that do not require cooking like breads and cheeses. The main obstacle is starting the market at USC was convincing the farmers is would be good opportunity for them. Over 2,000 students attend the market annually, certainly a good investment of time for the farmers (MacVean).

__**Conclusions and Recommendations**__ After careful analysis of survey results, we have concluded that most University of Delaware students are not eating as healthy as they should be. The administered survey indicates that eating healthy is important to 75% of the participating students. However, only 64% of students reported that they eat fresh produce more frequently than once a week. Therefore, it is likely that the majority of University of Delaware students are not meeting the suggested 3-5 servings of vegetables and 2-4 servings of fruit each day (WebMD). 68% of students reported that they would purchase healthy foods if they were more convenient to buy.

Extensive research of universities that have implemented campus held farmers markets shows that the programs can be beneficial for the host schools, the students, and the local farmers. The University of South Carolina holds a monthly farmers market that benefits their student's diets while also raising awareness of local agricultural production and the environment. Attendance at their market is a good measure of the program's success, as over 2,000 students attend each year. A number of other schools, including UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, University of Maine, and University of Arizona, have implemented similar programs that reap similar benefits.

Information obtained from UC Davis indicates that the best location to hold the market is at a location that is central to all students. In University of Delaware's case, the best location for the months of April-November would be on the green. In order to ensure year round operations, the most desirable location for the months of December-March would be the Trabant Student Center. Ideal hours of operation would be Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM, as most students tend to run their errands over the weekend. Displaying information regarding the benefits from a healthy diet may also convince more students to start eating healthier. According to the students of UC Davis, convincing local farmers to participate was the most trying task. Presenting Newark farmers with statistics and information drawn from other schools will make the process a little easier.

Based on the results that we have generated, it is our recommendation to institute a farmers market at the University of Delaware, ran by Fresh Foods on Campus. This could prove very beneficial to students by improving their diets and their knowledge of the benefits of a nutritious diet. This could also positively impact local farmers, by boosting their sales and increasing awareness about local agriculture.

__Works Cited__
__American Cancer Society.__ Diet and Physical Activity: What's the Cancer Connection? __22 October 2009. 23 November 2009 .

American Heart Association.__ Healthy Recipies__. 6 June 2009. 23 November 2009 .

British Heart Foundation.__ Why Eating Well Is Important__. 23 November 2009 .

Cornblatt, Johannah.__ Rethinking the Freshman 15__. 15 September 2009. 18 November 2009 .__


 * DiGregorio, Joseph. Personal interview. 23 Nov 2009.

Ellingsworth, Deborah. Personal interview. 23 Nov 2009. **

__MacVean, Mary.__ Farmers Markets' new Harvest: campus customers. 4 March 2009. <__[]>

Mayo Clinic.__ Healthy diet: End the guesswork with these nutrition guidelines__. 13 February 2009. 18 November 2009 .

USDA.__ Inside the Pyramid__. 1 October 2009. 23 November 2009 .

WebMD.__ Healthy Eating - Why is Healthy Eating Important?__ 6 February 2009. 18 November 2009 < http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/tc/healthy-eating-why-is-healthy-eating-important>.

Appendix
Survey given to 150 students:
 * Appendix A**

Fresh Foods on Campus Survey We are doing a research project on bringing fresh foods to campus. Please complete this survey to help us with our research. Circle the answer that mostly relates to you. 1. Classification:

Freshmen Sophomore Junior Senior

2. Gender:

Male Female Prefer not to answer

3. Do you live on-campus, off-campus, or do you commute?

On-campus Off-campus Commuter

4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Do you have a car on-campus?

Yes No

5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> How often do you eat at the University of Delaware’s dining facilities?

Daily Weekly Bi-weekly Monthly Rarely Never

6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> How often do you go grocery shopping?

Daily Weekly Bi-weekly Monthly Rarely Never

7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> How often do you eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and other non-processed foods?

Daily Weekly Bi-weekly Monthly Rarely Never

8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> How often do you wish you ate fresh fruits, vegetables, and other non-processed foods?

Daily Weekly Bi-weekly Monthly Rarely Never

9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Would you be interested if University of Delaware offered a weekly farmer’s market?

Yes No Maybe

10.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Would you like the University of Delaware to promote healthier eating?

Yes No I don’t care

11.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Is eating healthy important to you?

Yes No

12.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Have you heard of Newark Natural Foods?

Yes No

13.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Have you ever visited Newark Natural Foods?

Yes No

14.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Have you heard of Newark Natural Foods Farmer’s Market?

Yes No

15.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> Have you ever visited Newark Natural Foods Farmer’s Market?

Yes No

16.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> If healthier foods were more convenient to buy, would you purchase them?

Yes No Maybe

Survey Results – Out of 150 students over a course of three days
 * Appendix B**

1. Classification Freshmen 37 Sophomore 37 Junior 42 Senior 35

2. Gender:

Male 65 Female 85 Prefer not to answer 0

3. Do you live on-campus, off-campus, or do you commute?

On-campus 65 Off-campus 67 Commuter 18

4. Do you have a car on-campus?

Yes 90 No 60

5. How often do you eat at the University of Delaware’s dining facilities?

Daily 14 Weekly 23 Bi-weekly 9 Monthly 5 Rarely 39 Never 60

6. How often do you go grocery shopping?

Daily 0 Weekly 60 Bi-weekly 42 Monthly 39 Rarely 9 Never 0

7. How often do you eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and other non-processed foods?

Daily 67 Weekly 42 Bi-weekly 30 Monthly 12 Rarely 0 Never 0

8. How often do you wish you ate fresh fruits, vegetables, and other non-processed foods?

Daily 83 Weekly 35 Bi-weekly 28 Monthly 5 Rarely 0 Never 0

9. Would you be interested if University of Delaware offered a weekly farmer’s market?

Yes 85 No 32 Maybe 32

10. Would you like the University of Delaware to promote healthier eating?

Yes 95 No 23 I don't care 32

11. Is eating healthy important to you?

Yes 113 No 37

12. Have you heard of Newark Natural Foods?

Yes 59 No 91

13. Have you ever visited Newark Natural Foods?

Yes 41 No 109

14. Have you heard of Newark Natural Foods Farmer’s Market?

Yes 46 No 104

15. Have you ever visited Newark Natural Foods Farmer’s Market?

Yes 32 No 118

16. If healthier foods were more convenient to buy, would you purchase them?

Yes 102 No 21 Maybe 28


 * Figure 6:** Food Pyramid