Guests at the Student Farm’s second annual Harvest Festival could not have imagined a better way to kick off the fall season than enjoying farm-fresh food and listening to music. Over 300 people from across the Penn State and State College community came out to support the program and hear remarks from University Provost, Dr. Nick Jones and director of the Sustainability Institute, Dr. Paul Shrivastava.
Dr. Shrivastava, Student Farm co-directors Carissa Heine and Izaiah Bokunewicz, Dr. Jones and director, Leslie Pillen at Harvest Festival
“It was wonderful to hear the positive things Dr. Jones and Dr. Shrivastava had to say about the work we are doing on the farm, and the importance of learning about our food and where it comes from. Thanks to their support and the support of others in our community, the Student Farm is celebrating another successful season,” said Madeline Winn, Campus and Community Engagement Coordinator for the Club.
Guests gather to hear music and remarks from Dr. Jones
Jones, an experienced gardener and composter, highlighted the accomplishments of the farm over the last year, and stressed the importance of the academic and involvement opportunities offered to students through the program.
Students were involved in every phase of the event from planning to purchasing supplies, coordinating menus, designing signage, harvesting produce for the food, and more!
Club leaders said this year they wanted to increase their efforts to reduce waste from food and utensils, so they teamed up with Office of Physical Plant (OPP) and Campus Catering to provide compostable plates, silverware, cups and napkins.
Harvest Festival guests and Student Farm Club members both agreed that the highlight of the event was the delicious food served by Campus Catering and the chefs from Penn State Housing and Food Services, and the entertaining rock and blues music performed by Sonic Schroeder.
One of the most popular dishes was kale and lentil patties. Campus Catering very generously shared their recipe with us so that all of you can relive the experience at home! Bon appétit!
