Farmers Market

Muhlenberg College & Sodexo hosted a campus farmers market on September 27 to celebrate local sourcing and nutritious food during Partnership for America’s Healthy Campus Week.

Research shows that 95 percent of college students fail to eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables and student overweight and obesity rates increase during freshman year. One of 70 participating schools in Sodexo’s Largest Farmers Market @ Campuses Across America, the Muhlenberg College Farmers Market featured fresh produce and local vendors.

Muhlenberg College offered a wide selection of fresh produce and spotlight local farms at its September 27 farmers market. Students personally met local farmers and learned about where their food comes from.

Free samples from dining services were available, along with recipe cards for the featured dish. Energy Free Pesto, prepared by Sodexo Executive Chef Ross Wilson, was particularly popular as were the vegan red beet cupcakes made fresh by Pastry Chef Marie Holtz.

“Building relationships with local farms is so important for the further development and sustainability of that farm,” said John Pasquarello, general manager of Muhlenberg College Dining. “Learning about where food comes from empowers individuals who are knowledgeable about their health and food choices.”

"The Partnership for a Healthier America is proud to have Sodexo's participation and support for Healthy Campus Week," said Nancy Roman, President and CEO of Partnership for a Healthier America. "Together, our organizations recognize the importance of raising awareness for healthier eating for college students and ensuring healthy options are widespread and available -- and Healthy Campus Week aims to do just that."

The farmers market was coordinated in conjunction with EnAcT (The Muhlenberg Environmental Action Team) and planned by student sustainability interns, Mimi Salters '20 and Julia Termine '20.

Engaging with students and offering this type of access to local foods is just one of the reasons that Muhlenberg Dining is consistently ranked as a best in class dining program. Niche recently named Muhlenberg Dining “#1 Best College Food in Pennsylvania 2020” and “#27 Best College Food in America 2020”. Niche has ranked the program in the top three for three consecutive years. Sierra Club ranked Muhlenberg Dining #10 Food & Dining for Sustainability 2019 and College Consensus lists Muhlenberg Dining “#18 Best College Dining Halls”.

For more information, contact John Pasquarello, general manager of Muhlenberg College Dining at johnpasquarello@muhlenberg.edu.