Pay-what-you-can market offers fresh options for Penn State

The Feed the People Market Stand has been a consistent source of fresh, affordable produce for Penn State students all semester, operating every Wednesday through Nov. 6 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. in the HUB main lounge.

The Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm and the Lion’s Pantry have partnered to offer a farmer’s market with a pay-what-you-can payment system that seeks to eliminate nutrition concerns among staff and students across the university.

Rebecca Durbin, a Penn State student and executive director of the Student Farm, believes it is important for students to have access to local, fresh produce.

“Fresher fruit and vegetables leads to fresher minds, and eating better in general just leads to a healthier body; a healthier lifestyle. And if you know where you’re getting your food from, there’s a better chance that you’ll do something good with it,” Durbin said.

Although no payment is required, customers are encouraged to pay what they can using cash, check or LionCash.

Isabella Mikelonis, another Penn State student who works on the Student Farm board, believes the pay-what-you-can system is a great way to address food security issues within the Penn State community.

“So not necessarily setting market prices, just so whoever needs it, and what they need, (and focusing on) getting that first, and then money comes as a second, not the priority,” Mikelonis said.

Produce sold at the stand varies throughout the year, but typical offerings include vegetables such as lettuce, zucchini, tomatoes, chives, herbs and squash.

For more information on next week’s Feed the People Market Stand and other upcoming events, visit studentaffairs.psu.edu/events.

Gavin Rollman is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email gmr5526@psu.edu.