Founded in 2016, the Student Farm at Penn State began with a single spring plant sale, serving as its kickoff event and first major effort to gain traction on campus. Its success caught the attention of Penn State’s administration, which granted the group one acre of land. Since then, the Student Farm has expanded to four acres and continues to flourish as a student-led organization. 

The club’s programming director, Isabella Mikelonis, plans and leads meetings, coordinates events, and helps ensure the organization remains responsive to its members. “We are very open to feedback and insights from our members. Everyone is encouraged to voice their opinions and share ideas,” she said.

The Student Farm has three main goals: learn, think, and grow. Through hands-on experiences and educational programming, the organization aims to teach the Penn State community about sustainability and food literacy while encouraging members to think critically about how food systems can be improved.

The Student Farm offers something for everyone through its diverse project teams. Students can get involved in hydroponics, greenhouse planting, cooking, youth education, and even intramural sports teams. “We attract students from many majors, creating a space where people who might not otherwise cross paths can come together and share values,” Mikelonis said. 

“Members develop valuable skills that extend beyond agriculture,” Mikelonis added. “Students learn how to advocate for themselves and their communities and engage in conversations around food justice, food waste, food insecurity, and access to whole foods.”

One of the organization’s initiatives is the Feed the People Market Stand, a pay-what-you-can stand that runs each fall semester. Featuring produce grown directly at the Student Farm, the market helps ensure that students and community members can access fresh, local food without worrying about the cost. 

Looking ahead, the Student Farm hopes to fundraise for a building that would provide a classroom setting for teaching and training. This space would allow the organization to expand its educational offerings and further strengthen its student and community-wide impact. 

This semester, the Student Farm is hosting several upcoming events that feature guest speakers, interactive activities, and social opportunities designed to be accessible for everyone to enjoy. 

Upcoming Events:

Food Justice Summit – Thursday, February 12, 4-7 p.m. in Heritage Hall

Introduction to Pickling and Fermenting – Tuesday, February 17, 6-7 p.m. in Headhouse 123

Lunch & Learn: Intro to Smart Grocery Shopping – Wednesday, February 18, 12-1 p.m. in HUB 134

Nature Crafting Drop-In – Wednesday, February 18, 3-5 p.m. in HUB 112

Year of the Woman Farmer Film & Panel – Friday, February 27, 3-5 p.m. in the Forest Resources Building