UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State students are invited to attend the annual Campus Food Systems Kick-Off from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm. The event will introduce new and returning students to opportunities involving food systems, agriculture, nutrition and sustainability at Penn State.
The event will include a free dinner and a meet-and-greet with student organizations focused on various aspects of food systems. Representatives will lead hands-on activities, including painting canvas tote bags with vegetable stamps, creating microgreens growing kits and planting succulents.
Lucy Mihalcin, director of campus outreach for the Student Farm Club and event planner, said the event will help connect students with organizations working to address food-related issues.
“The more student organizations involved in the conversation about food security and food justice, the more impact we can make for our communities and hopefully highlight for others,” Mihalcin said. “The event will be a great way to become involved with clubs involved with the Penn State food system and become a part of the impact we are striving to make.”
Students interested in food waste, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, health, food justice or food insecurity can learn more about ways to become involved on campus. Attendees also will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for Student Farm Club merchandise and sustainable kitchen items.
Transportation
Biking, walking and bus transportation are encouraged as sustainable ways to reach the farm.
- Bus: Free buses will run between campus and the Student Farm from 5:45 to 8:15 p.m. Students can board the buses at the Curtin Road bus pull-off near the Berkey Creamery, in front of the greenhouses.
- Bike: Biking directions to the farm are available can be found online.
- Drive: Parking is available in the paved lot next to the farm for the posted hourly rate.
About Student Farm and Food Systems
Student Farm and Food Systems include the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm at Penn State, the Student Farm Club, the Food Recovery Network, the inter-college Food Systems Minor, and Course-Client Collaborations. The program aims to develop students’ knowledge about sustainable food systems practices while providing hands-on learning opportunities and positively contributing to the community.
Visit the Student Farm and Food Systems website for more information about upcoming events.
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.