At the Ross Student Farm, there’s something for everyone – whether you’re passionate about health and wellness, sustainability, family-friendly events, or gardening. Our diverse programs allow you to get involved, learn, and grow alongside us.
Each initiative is thoughtfully planned and managed by Penn State students, offering hands-on experiences that not only enrich the farm but also build valuable professional and transferable skills. Keep reading to discover how you can join us!
Community Supported Agriculture
A common question we receive is, “Where does all the produce go?” Thousands of pounds of our fresh, student-grown produce go directly to the University’s dining halls, ensuring that students can enjoy local, sustainable food. Beyond campus, our produce reaches the broader community through our Community Supported Agriculture program. Our CSA is open to Penn State students, faculty and staff. We offer various subscription options that follow the academic calendar: Maymester, Summer, Fall, Thanksgiving, and Winter. CSA members pick up a box of farm-fresh produce once per week throughout the season!
Community Supported Agriculture
A common question we receive is, “Where does all the produce go?” Thousands of pounds of our fresh, student-grown produce go directly to the University’s dining halls, ensuring that students can enjoy local, sustainable food. Beyond campus, our produce reaches the broader community through our Community Supported Agriculture program. Our CSA is open to Penn State students, faculty and staff. We offer various subscription options that follow the academic calendar: Maymester, Summer, Fall, Thanksgiving, and Winter. CSA members pick up a box of farm-fresh produce once per week throughout the season!
Annual Events
Throughout the year, we host five annual events that celebrate the beauty of the seasons, sustainable living, and the vibrant connection between campus and community. Garden Grow How invites participants to learn hands-on gardening techniques and sustainable practices, allowing them to cultivate their own green spaces. Plant Sale offers a wide variety of locally grown plants, providing an opportunity for community members to shop local and support our farm. Summer Solstice celebrates the height of summer with a blend of workshops, activities, and festive fun. Harvest Fest, our signature annual event, brings over 1,600 people together to enjoy the farm, celebrate the season’s bounty, and unite campus and local communities. Plant Powered promotes the benefits of plant-based living through educational demos, tastings, and discussions.
Annual Events
Throughout the year, we host five annual events that celebrate the beauty of the seasons, sustainable living, and the vibrant connection between campus and community. Garden Grow How invites participants to learn hands-on gardening techniques and sustainable practices, allowing them to cultivate their own green spaces. Plant Sale offers a wide variety of locally grown plants, providing an opportunity for community members to shop local and support our farm. Summer Solstice celebrates the height of summer with a blend of workshops, activities, and festive fun. Harvest Fest, our signature annual event, brings over 1,600 people together to enjoy the farm, celebrate the season’s bounty, and unite campus and local communities. Plant Powered promotes the benefits of plant-based living through educational demos, tastings, and discussions.
Wellness Programs
We offer a variety of wellness programs and events designed to help our community reconnect with nature and prioritize their health. College can be a time of high stress and responsibility, making it essential for students to engage in activities that reduce stress, enhance focus, and support overall wellbeing. Research shows that spending time in nature improves cognitive functioning, boosts mental and physical health, and fosters a sense of connectedness to the natural world. Our programs leverage these benefits, offering opportunities for students to unwind, recharge, and build healthier habits. From guided farm tours to interactive workshops, our wellness initiatives provide a much-needed reprieve from the pressures of everyday life, promoting better sleep, reduced stress, and increased overall vitality.
Wellness Programs
We offer a variety of wellness programs and events designed to help our community reconnect with nature and prioritize their health. College can be a time of high stress and responsibility, making it essential for students to engage in activities that reduce stress, enhance focus, and support overall wellbeing. Research shows that spending time in nature improves cognitive functioning, boosts mental and physical health, and fosters a sense of connectedness to the natural world. Our programs leverage these benefits, offering opportunities for students to unwind, recharge, and build healthier habits. From guided farm tours to interactive workshops, our wellness initiatives provide a much-needed reprieve from the pressures of everyday life, promoting better sleep, reduced stress, and increased overall vitality.
Student Farm Club
The Student Farm Club at Penn State offers an incredible opportunity for students to immerse themselves in sustainability and engage with the broader Sustainable Food Systems Network and the Student Farm. Since its establishment in the fall of 2015, the club has evolved into a dynamic community that extends far beyond the boundaries of the production field. Our mission is to bring together students from all majors and backgrounds who share an interest in creating a more sustainable food system. Whether you are passionate about tackling food insecurity, reducing food waste, exploring agricultural production, developing culinary skills, or simply learning more about sustainability, there is a place for you in our club!
Student Farm Club
The Student Farm Club at Penn State offers an incredible opportunity for students to immerse themselves in sustainability and engage with the broader Sustainable Food Systems Network and the Student Farm. Since its establishment in the fall of 2015, the club has evolved into a dynamic community that extends far beyond the boundaries of the production field. Our mission is to bring together students from all majors and backgrounds who share an interest in creating a more sustainable food system. Whether you are passionate about tackling food insecurity, reducing food waste, exploring agricultural production, developing culinary skills, or simply learning more about sustainability, there is a place for you in our club!
Feed the People Market Stand
Our Feed the People Market stand is bringing fresh produce directly to campus for student, faculty and staff to enjoy all season long. The Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm and the Lion’s pantry partnered to offer a pay-what-you-can farmers market that was set up in the HUB Main Lounge every Wednesday this past semester. Meaning, no payment is required but customers are invited to pay what they can using cash, check or LionCash. Produce varies throughout the year but typically vegetables such as lettuce, zucchini, tomatoes, chives, herbs, and squash are sold here. The farm stand is a part of Penn State’s greater mission of eliminating nutrition concerns among the campus community.
Feed the People Market Stand
Our Feed the People Market stand is bringing fresh produce directly to campus for student, faculty and staff to enjoy all season long. The Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm and the Lion’s pantry partnered to offer a pay-what-you-can farmers market that was set up in the HUB Main Lounge every Wednesday this past semester. Meaning, no payment is required but customers are invited to pay what they can using cash, check or LionCash. Produce varies throughout the year but typically vegetables such as lettuce, zucchini, tomatoes, chives, herbs, and squash are sold here. The farm stand is a part of Penn State’s greater mission of eliminating nutrition concerns among the campus community.
Community Partnerships
We collaborate closely and intentionally with the State College community, creating meaningful connections beyond campus. Our partnerships support food equity and sustainability through fresh produce donations, active involvement with the Food Recovery Network to reduce food waste, and contributions to Meals on Wheels. These efforts reflect our shared commitment to making a positive and lasting impact in the broader community. Click the link below to learn more about these partnerships!
Community Partnerships
We collaborate closely and intentionally with the State College community, creating meaningful connections beyond campus. Our partnerships support food equity and sustainability through fresh produce donations, active involvement with the Food Recovery Network to reduce food waste, and contributions to Meals on Wheels. These efforts reflect our shared commitment to making a positive and lasting impact in the broader community. Click the link below to learn more about these partnerships!