Where to go to get fresh, cheap and/or organic produce.

So you''re in college, and you''re hungry. While college is often a time when beer is considered one of the four food groups, you know about nutrition and want to fortify your body with the right stuff. Perhaps you''re learning about pesticides and the benefits of sustainable farming. Or you''re beginning to see the wasteful and unjust byproducts of corporate America and want to support the little people. And, let''s face it, you''re poor. Here''s a chance, with the food you buy, to make a political statement (even if it might seem like a whisper), eat healthy, and avoid dipping too deeply into the beer fund.

Luckily, Monterey County''s status as one of the most productive agricultural regions anywhere affords lots of opportunities for students to eat well and do the right thing, all on a budget.

Farmers markets abound in Monterey County, with cities like Monterey and Salinas holding two per week, offering fresh vegetables direct from the growers for less than you''d pay in stores.

Monterey holds markets Tuesday nights downtown and Thursdays at Monterey Peninsula College. In Salinas, the downtown farmers market is on Wednesday evening, and one is on Sunday morning at Northridge Mall. To check on the times and places of farmers markets all over the state, you can check the website www.marketreport.com.

Students who live on loans or similar upfront chunks of money can parlay that short-lived wealth into fresh organic vegetables all year long, and help small organic farmers compete with big agricultural corporations.

Many local organic farms participate in Community Supported Agriculture programs that allow people to give farmers money at the beginning of the growing season, usually around $400, and then receive fresh vegetables throughout the season.

"You get a box of a great variety of organic vegetables every week, usually picked fresh that day," says Ken McCormick, marketing coordinator for California Certified Organic Farmers in Santa Cruz. "It establishes a direct connection to the farmers and provides them with capital they need at the beginning of the season."

Among the local farms in the CSA program is Anderson''s Hidden Valley farm in Salinas (484-2193), although they won''t be starting their program until the beginning of next year. You can get a complete list of Central Coast organic farms with various forms of direct access by calling CCOF at 423-2263.

But even when the necessity of convenience sends students to the stores, there are still great opportunities to buy fresh, low-cost veggies that support local farmers.

There are several permanent vegetable markets in Monterey County, such as Del Monte Produce, with three locations--2400 Del Monte Ave. in Monterey, 1450 Fremont Blvd. in Seaside, and Farmer Joe''s in Carmel Valley. Their produce is less expensive than the chain grocers because, says assistant manager Jeannie Fanene, "That''s all we deal with. And we get it all from local farmers out in Salinas." In Marina, Valley Produce and Spice at 399 Reservation Rd., offers not only inexpensive fruits and vegetables (sometimes as little as a third of the cost of big grocery store veggies), but also a wide assortment of authentic ethnic ingredients.

In addition, most area grocery stores carry local produce. The new Whole Foods Market in Monterey carries a large selection of locally grown fruits and veggies, says produce team leader Brian Feller. For example, they work directly with the Rural Development Center in Salinas, which helps farmers go organic. In addition to certified organic, Whole Foods has produce for every budget. "Transitional" produce, which has grown organically but on land that has been organic for less than three years, is generally less expensive than certified organic. Whole Foods also carries traditionally grown fruits and veggies, which are usually cheaper still.

Fresh Grown

Local farmers markets are the best places to find fresh leafy greens, flowers and fruits at reasonable prices. Not only that, but many offer live entertainment and great bargains on clothes, music, arts, crafts and other sundries.

Carmel Valley: Carmel Valley Library, 65 W. Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley, 659-2377. Third Saturday of every month through November, 10am-3pm.

Monterey: Monterey Peninsula College, 980 Fremont St., off Aguajito Road, Monterey, 646-4000. Thursday, 2:30-6pm.

Old Monterey: Alvarado Street, between Pearl Street and Del Monte Avenue, Monterey, 655-2607. Tuesday, 4-7pm.

Salinas: Northridge Mall, North Main Street, 449-7226. Sunday, 8am-noon.

Oldtown Salinas: Main Street, between Gabilan and San Luis streets, 758-9272. Wednesday, 4-7pm.