UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State students are adding a new stop to their weekly grocery shopping, and it is one that they can truly afford. The new Feed the People Market Stand in the HUB-Robeson Center offers students, faculty, staff and community members fresh produce from the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm, with no set prices.
The stand is pay-what-you-can, meaning that patrons are not asked to pay a specific amount for what they take and can instead pay whatever amount they are able to or comfortable with.
The Feed the People Market Stand is a core part of the Sustainable Food Systems Network’s effort to reduce food insecurity on campus. The stand provides fresh produce at affordable rates and is easily accessible to college students who often lack the time and transportation to find it.
Anna Read, a junior studying architectural engineering, has frequented the farm stand and noted that its convenient location allows the Ross Student Farm to reach a whole new group of students on campus.
“I also love that the stand has veggies that I have never tried before and helps me expand my palette,” Read said. “My favorite thing that I've gotten from the stand is zucchini and eggplant; both tasted exceptionally good.”
The weekly market stand is located inside the Pollock Road entrance of the HUB and operates every Wednesday from 2:30-5:30 p.m. through Nov. 1. Cash, check, Venmo and LionCash donations are accepted.
There is a wide variety of products, including peppers, herbs, kale, salad mix, squash, items from the Lion's Pantry and more. Many items come with a recipe card, like vegetable mac and cheese or kale smoothies.
The market stand began in 2022, thanks to the generous support of Robert and Cynthia Van Druff and Penn State student Jimmy Alamia. The student-led program is now successfully operating and managed by two Ross Student Farm interns.
Rebecca Durbin, a junior in environmental resource management and the student lead on the Feed the People Market Stand initiative, said that she has enjoyed educating the people who stop by about the campus food system and noted that anyone, regardless of financial need, is invited to utilize the stand.
“It is upsetting to see people walk past and turn down free food because they feel like they do not qualify to accept it,” Durbin said. “We really enjoy seeing students appreciate this support and get excited to learn how to cook with fresh vegetables.”
The Feed the People Market Stand serves as a direct, visible example of the University’s efforts to increase access to food and basic needs across campus.
Benjamin Lindgren, director of food justice for the University Park Undergraduate Association, said he is excited about the way that this project destigmatizes undergraduate food insecurity and offers potential for expansion.
“I am thrilled to witness its future growth and collaboration with other student organizations and University offices that assist with basic needs resources,” Lindgren said. “It is amazing to see programming initiatives like this gain traction with the student body.”