Students of the Agricultural Studies Department at California State University, Stanislaus don't just learn the theory of sustainable crop production, distribution and management, they also get real-world experience with programs like the StanFresh Market.

Started last year, the StanFresh Market offers the public produce harvested from the Stanislaus State Sustainability Garden through a farmers' market event on campus.

Agricultural Studies Department Chair Oluwarotimi Odeh said all Ag students participate in the market one way or another, whether through growing and harvesting the crops or by marketing and running the event.

Last year's inaugural event was such a success that almost every single herb, vegetable and fruit sold out.

"It was unbelievable; the turnout was incredible," said Odeh.

This year, the Ag Studies Department will host three StanFresh markets — Feb. 24, March 24 and May 4. All three cash-only markets will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the campus quad.

Produce available at StanFresh include kale, parsley, butternut squash, lemons, limes, tangerines, oranges and kumquats, with items varying at each market.

Odeh said the first market will emphasize the garden's citrus harvest, but later markets will highlight other fruits and vegetables in season.

New this year will be live cooking demonstrations by the university's food service provider, Chartwells. Odeh said Chartwells cooks will prepare different dishes using the fresh ingredients on sale at the market.