UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Student Farm and Food Systems, a unit in the Division of Student Affairs, will host its annual "Plant Powered PSU" event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, in the social room of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in downtown State College. The event is free and open to the public.
The open house-style event will feature plant-based food samples, interactive stations and hands-on educational activities. The activities highlight the environmental, cultural and nutritional benefits of plant-forward eating. Guests are welcome to stop in at any time during the evening.
"Plant Powered PSU" brings together students, faculty and community members to explore how everyday food choices affect both personal well-being and the health of the planet. At student-led stations, guests can learn about cultural perspectives, sustainability practices and new ways to eat more plant-based meals.
This year’s participating student organizations include the Mexican-American Student Association, the One Health Club and the Student Farm Club. Performance Nutrition and Food Literacy interns also will host tables.
Guests can sample seasonal, plant-forward dishes made with local ingredients and global flavors, along with freshly brewed pour-over coffee served with plant-based creamers. At each station, attendees can collect recipes to build their own take-home recipe booklet. They also can enter prize drawings for plant-based meal kits and gift cards.
“'Plant Powered PSU' is a super fun event where people get to try plant-based foods,” said Alex Schultes, one of the event’s student planners. “It’s a delicious night where we get to see a bunch of different organizations’ and clubs’ takes on vegetarian and vegan options, as well as some really amazing prizes we have in mind.”
The event is supported by local sponsors, including Webster’s Café and Catering, Wegmans and Nature’s Pantry.
Guests should enter through the church lobby on East Calder Way. The entrance is just to the left of the large mural.
"Plant Powered PSU" welcomes everyone, from curious foodies to committed vegans, for an evening of food, conversation and ideas for a more sustainable future.
About Student Farm and Food Systems
Student Farm and Food Systems includes the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm at Penn State, the Student Farm Club, the Food Recovery Network, the intercollege food systems minor and Course-Client Collaborations. The program aims to build students’ knowledge of sustainable food systems practices while providing hands-on learning opportunities and contributing to the community.
About Student Affairs
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.