The Penn State Student Farm Club is hosting its annual Harvest Fest on September 14 at the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm. The event will feature free food made with the farm's produce, live music, fall activities, and remarks from Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi.
The farm is located about a five-minute bike ride from the main part of campus and is also accessible by bus. However, not many students venture out to the farm other than to attend the Harvest Fest.
The Student Farm has grown from a 1-acre plot to 4 acres since its inception in 2016. It has also expanded into the main campus with a hydroponic greenhouse, a rooftop garden, and a pocket garden.
The club's executive director, Vancie Peacock, is a senior majoring in agricultural engineering. She grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and always wanted to be a farmer. She started volunteering with the Student Farm as a freshman and is now passionate about helping other students without an ag background engage with farming and the food system.
The Student Farm grows about 20,000 pounds of food each year and donates it to Penn State's student food pantry, Campus Dining, and a CSA program for students, faculty, and staff.
The farm has also provided opportunities for a variety of other classes at Penn State, such as agricultural engineering and architecture.
The Student Farm is planning to build a building at the farm site that would include a kitchen and classroom space.
The Harvest Fest is a great opportunity to learn more about the Student Farm and its mission to provide fresh, local food to the Penn State community.
Photo Credit: Penn State Student Farm Club
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education