UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Student Farm at Penn State, in collaboration with other sustainability-focused groups across campus and the community, will host "Plant Powered PSU,” a free, public event being held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, at the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in downtown State College. The goal of the event is to provide guests with an opportunity to sample a variety of plant-based foods while learning about the benefits of eating a diet consisting of more plant-based foods.
Free food samples and activities will be available throughout the event. Plant-based foods to taste will include plant-based meat alternatives; veggie pastas and salads; traditionally plant-based Indian cuisine; and other options. Gita Nagari Eco Farm will be serving a variety of Indian foods and desserts.
Plant-rich diets are a top-five solution for reducing carbon emissions, according to Project Drawdown, which aims to clarify a positive, solutions-oriented path ahead for action on climate change. “Plant Powered PSU” will offer positive opportunities to learn more about the environmental benefits of plant-based diets, as well as their potential impacts. Guests will learn about delicious plant-based foods to cook at home and to enjoy at many local restaurants.
Guests are encouraged to bring a printed copy of a favorite plant-based recipe to the event to help create a community recipe book.
“Along with trying out new foods to expand their palates throughout the night, we want to create a recipe book for guests to leave their own stamp on the event. Something tangible for them to turn to for ideas in following a plant-rich diet, but more importantly to show just how many fantastic plant-based meals there are to try” said Alex Caraynoff, a Penn State student helping to plan the event.
Additionally, guests are invited to bring a shelf-stable food item to donate to the Lion’s Pantry at Penn State.
This will be the second year that the Student Farm at Penn State is collaborating with Kathleen Raupach’s Recreation, Parks and Tourism Management class to hold “Plant Powered PSU."