Yes, Penn State University Dining prioritizes purchases products from local, sustainable sources.

The Penn State Food Services site showcases a list of all the initiatives undertaken by Penn State’s Housing and Foods department including “hyper-local” food features sourced from the student farm, the creamery on campus, and from the university meat labs.

Prioritization of local foods has resulted in 18% of all food purchase coming from local or Pennsylvania suppliers.

Local produce is provided to the dining commons through partnerships with the Student Farm and other local producers. Hyper-Local Food Suppliers Include:

• The Student Farm – A one acre, student-run farm at Penn State used to create and supply fresh produce at on campus eateries
• The Berkey Creamery – Primary provider of dairy products for the University. The Creamery provides items made by the College of Agriculture
• Penn State’s Meats Lab – An on-campus meat processing facility that works with research and extension education while also providing Campus Dining with fresh meats

 

Learn more about Penn State’s progress towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals HERE and on SDG 2 HERE.