Yes, Penn State University Dining prioritizes purchasing 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 (which makes dairy products from milk obtained from cows raised on campus), and from the university meat labs (which produces meats from animals raised on campus).

Prioritization of local foods has resulted in 18% of all food purchase coming from hyper-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 for campus eateries.
• The Berkey Creamery – Primary producer of dairy products for the University. The Creamery makes and sells items made by the College of Agriculture including cheese, milk, and ice cream.
• Penn State’s Meats Lab – An on-campus meat processing facility that works with research and extension education (continuing education for the public) 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.