Celebrating Community and Sustainability: The 9th Annual Harvest Fest at Penn State University
On September 13, 2024, Penn State University announced that the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm would host its 9th Annual Harvest Fest on September 19, from 4 PM to 7 PM. This iconic event aims to bring the community together, offering free tastings of fresh produce, craft activities, and opportunities to interact with student farmers. The Harvest Fest is not just a celebration of the season; it embodies the university’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement.
The event is free and open to the public, allowing attendees to sample seasonal vegetable dishes prepared by local chefs and catering services. Notable contributors include Taproot Kitchen, the Village at Penn State, State College Area High School, Paul’s Provisions, and chefs from Penn State Housing and Food Services. The festival promises a rich array of activities, including sun printing, succulent planting (free for Penn State students, with a $5 fee for others), a petting zoo, educational experiences about the farm, and plans for new multifunctional facilities.
Isabella Mikelonis, a sophomore telecommunications major and one of the event organizers, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Last year was my first time attending the Harvest Fest, and it was amazing to see different groups come together to promote sustainability. There’s something for everyone, from free succulents to fun activity stations and delicious food. I hope to see more students and community members come together to celebrate this year!”
Participants can pay for student farm club merchandise, plant fees, and other costs using cash, checks, or Venmo. The organizers strongly recommend wearing sturdy shoes and using sustainable transportation to reach the farm, located at the intersection of Big Hollow Rd. and Fox Hollow Rd. During the event, a free shuttle will run between the Berkey Creamery bus stop on Curtin Rd. and the Ross Student Farm from 3:45 PM to 7:15 PM. Limited parking is available, and attendees are encouraged to use the Park Mobile app or hold a Penn State parking permit.
The Harvest Fest will take place rain or shine; in the event of thunderstorms, participants can check the student farm’s Facebook and Instagram pages for updates. For any questions regarding the Harvest Fest, inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
The Sustainable Food Systems Network at Penn State University includes the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm, the Student Farm Club, the Food Recovery Network, interdisciplinary food systems minors, and course-client collaborations. This network aims to raise student awareness of sustainable food system practices while providing hands-on learning opportunities and actively giving back to the community.
The Importance of Community Engagement in Higher Education
The Harvest Fest is a prime example of how universities can foster community engagement. Events like these not only provide a platform for students to showcase their work but also create a sense of belonging among participants. Penn State University has recognized the importance of community in enhancing the student experience, as evidenced by the various initiatives and events organized throughout the academic year.
For instance, the Penn State World Campus has announced a series of in-person and virtual events for Fall 2024, aimed at welcoming students and enhancing their sense of community, regardless of their physical location. These events are structured around themed weeks, each focusing on different interactive opportunities and resources available to students. The first week, “Gear Up for Success Week,” began on August 19, providing advice and resources from current students to help newcomers balance their studies and personal lives.
Marly Doty, the Director of Student Affairs for Penn State World Campus, emphasized that building community can significantly enhance the student experience. She noted that students who establish positive connections in the early weeks of the semester are more likely to persist in their studies. The university’s commitment to fostering community is further exemplified by the upcoming Alumni Week, scheduled for September 22-28, which celebrates both alumni and current students.
Moreover, community engagement extends beyond events like the Harvest Fest and Alumni Week. It plays a crucial role in shaping future leaders. Take, for example, Yaniv Aronson, a Penn State alumnus and the Mayor of Conshohocken. His journey illustrates how community involvement during his time at Penn State laid the foundation for his political career. Although he did not initially plan to enter politics, his active participation in the Conshohocken community led to his election as mayor in 2018.
Aronson’s experiences at Penn State, particularly during the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, highlighted the importance of community. He learned how shared experiences of mourning and celebration could unite people, a lesson he carried into his mayoral term. His leadership has focused on increasing community engagement, especially among young people, and he has implemented policies to promote inclusivity and diversity.
Sustainable Food Systems: A Growing Focus in Higher Education
The emphasis on sustainability is not limited to community events; it is also a critical component of educational practices at universities. The Sustainable Food Systems Network at Penn State University exemplifies this commitment, providing students with practical learning opportunities while promoting sustainable practices.
Research indicates that integrating sustainability into educational curricula is essential for fostering a generation of environmentally conscious leaders. A study published in the journal “Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems” examined the integration of sustainability and food systems concepts in elementary education in Washington and Montana. The findings revealed that despite the existence of sustainability learning standards, only 30% of teachers incorporated related content into their classrooms. This highlights the need for curriculum reform to prioritize sustainability as a core framework.
In addition to classroom education, universities are also addressing food insecurity among students. Arizona State University (ASU) recently hosted a roundtable discussion on nutrition security and healthy school meals, emphasizing the importance of school meals in ensuring children’s health. Kathleen Merrigan, Executive Director of ASU’s Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, highlighted the alarming statistic that 27% of students at ASU experienced food insecurity in the past year, mirroring national trends.
ASU’s commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated through its initiatives to support future leaders in food systems. The university recently received an $18 million NextGen scholarship from the USDA to support students pursuing careers in sustainable food systems. This investment aims to cultivate a diverse pool of young talent who will become the next generation of food policy leaders.
Local Chefs and Seasonal Cuisine: A Celebration of Community
The Harvest Fest at Penn State University also showcases the importance of local chefs and seasonal cuisine in community events. By featuring dishes prepared by local chefs, the festival not only supports local businesses but also promotes the consumption of seasonal produce. This approach aligns with the growing trend of farm-to-table dining, which emphasizes the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Events like the Harvest Fest provide an opportunity for attendees to connect with local chefs and learn about the benefits of seasonal eating. This connection fosters a sense of community and encourages individuals to support local agriculture. The emphasis on sustainability and local sourcing is becoming increasingly important in the culinary world, as consumers seek to make more informed choices about their food.
In a similar vein, the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay in Hawaii recently announced a series of culinary events featuring Top Chef winner Melissa King. These events, focused on sustainable cuisine, aim to elevate the local community’s food culture while providing students with opportunities to work alongside renowned chefs. By celebrating local farmers, ranchers, and growers, the hotel emphasizes the importance of sustainability in the culinary arts.
Educational Experiences in Student-Run Farms
Student-run farms, such as the one at Cornell University (2024 USNews Ranking: 12) , offer unique educational experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice. These farms provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, allowing them to engage with agricultural practices while exploring their interests.
At Cornell, students like Aurora Weirens, a government major, have the chance to experience agricultural education firsthand. During her visit to the campus teaching farm, she interacted with various animals and learned about the university’s commitment to sustainable farming practices. This experience not only enriched her education but also allowed her to connect with her peers and explore her passion for agriculture.
Such educational experiences are vital for fostering a deeper understanding of food systems and sustainability among students. By engaging with student-run farms, universities can cultivate a generation of informed individuals who are equipped to address the challenges facing our food systems.
Transportation Options for Community Events
As community events like the Harvest Fest draw large crowds, transportation options become a crucial consideration. Penn State University has implemented various strategies to facilitate access to events while promoting sustainable transportation.
For instance, during the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, which attracts approximately 125,000 visitors, the university encourages attendees to utilize public transportation and designated parking areas. By providing free shuttle services and promoting walking as a viable option, the university aims to reduce traffic congestion and minimize the environmental impact of large gatherings.
Research conducted by Penn State has also explored barriers faced by economically disadvantaged communities in accessing safe routes to school. The findings highlight the need for improved infrastructure and resources to ensure that all children can walk or bike to school safely. By addressing these barriers, universities can play a pivotal role in promoting healthy transportation options within their communities.
Conclusion
The 9th Annual Harvest Fest at Penn State University serves as a testament to the power of community engagement and sustainability in higher education. By bringing together students, local chefs, and community members, the event fosters a sense of belonging while promoting sustainable practices. The university’s commitment to community engagement is further exemplified through various initiatives, such as the Penn State World Campus events and the experiences of alumni like Yaniv Aronson.
As universities continue to prioritize sustainability and community involvement, they will play a crucial role in shaping the future of food systems and fostering a generation of environmentally conscious leaders. By integrating sustainability into educational practices and promoting local sourcing, institutions can empower students to make informed choices and contribute to the well-being of their communities.
In conclusion, the Harvest Fest and similar events highlight the importance of collaboration between universities and their surrounding communities. By celebrating local agriculture, promoting sustainable practices, and providing educational opportunities, universities can create a lasting impact on both students and the communities they serve.
References
- 9th Annual Harvest Fest at Penn State University
- Penn State World Campus Fall 2024 Events Announced
- Community Engagement in Leadership: Yaniv Aronson’s Journey
- Educator Practices in Sustainability Education
- USDA Discusses Nutrition Security at ASU
- Student Life at Cornell University
- Mitigating Barriers for Children Walking and Biking to School
- Parking and Traffic Information for Arts Fest
