Durham, NC - Who said you have to visit different countries or expensive restaurants to try dishes from around the world? Not local North Carolina farmers.  LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke's employee wellness program and sponsor of the Duke Farmers Market, chose the theme "Local Flavors, Global Foods" to showcase from April to September.

Included in the theme are cooking demos and food sampling for the customers; they also learn about different international meals from farmers and vendors that can be prepared from their produce.

"Though we have local food at the market, Duke is a global community, with so many cultures," said Dianna Monroe, health education specialist with LIVE FOR LIFE. "We want people to learn about different things they can do with their food that's done in other places."

Customers say they enjoy the variety and new cooking ideas as well. "I love the market so much because I can get what's fresh from the farmer," says Casey Collins, a Duke energy engineer with Facilities Management.  Collins says he is a regular customer. "My wife and I love whole, healthy foods and meals."

The participating farmers say they enjoy the market as well. "The best part about working out here is meeting people from different places and backgrounds," says Erin Boltz from Lyon Farms.

The Duke Farmers Market, which is currently on a break, reopens Aug. 10 and runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every other Friday until Sept. 24. The market is by the Bryan Research Building off Research Drive.

Pictured below: Heirloom tomatoes for sale at the Duke Farmers Market.  Photo by Gabriel Aikens.