UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm at Penn State will hold a Seed Swap event on April 9 where community members can take home seeds and learn key information about starting the growing season. Informational tables will showcase valuable gardening knowledge, such as plant families, healthy eating, container gardening and more.
Campus and community members are invited to attend this event, set for 5-7 p.m. April 9 at 3 Dots Downtown. The event is hosted by the Student Farm and State College Borough. Other community groups, such as Mount Nittany Health and the PA Native Plant Society, also will be present.
There will be plenty of seeds to share; visitors are not expected to bring any of their own to take some home. Community members may bring gently used tools that are no longer needed or in use, such as trowels, hori-horis, or hand cultivators. These will be distributed around campus and community growing spaces in need.
"The Student Farm and State College Borough collaborated to host a community seed swap many years ago, and I am thrilled that it's finally back," said Vancie Peacock, Student Farm AmeriCorps member. "There's nothing better than seeing someone's face light up when they find a new seed to grow this spring. And if you aren't experienced with gardening or seed saving, you'll find all the information you need at this event to start your new adventure."
Growing food from seeds is a valuable skill to help combat food insecurity, and many people facing food insecurity are afraid of the stigma surrounding asking for and receiving help, according to Anna Bohsali, a Student Farm alum and Sustainability Program assistant for State College Borough.
"We recognize the indispensable role that local nonprofit organizations play in addressing food insecurity in the State College Borough and beyond," Bohsali said. "Growing your own food and teaching others to do so can be an effective way to help someone meet their food needs more independently and open up the conversation around food insecurity."
Next week, the Centre County Libraries and Pattee Library will have a set up for browsing seeds, until supplies last, for anyone unable to attend the Seed Swap event.
About the Sustainable Food Systems Network at Penn State
The Sustainable Food Systems Network includes the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm at Penn State, the Student Farm Club, the Food Recovery Network, the inter-college Food Systems Minor, and course-client collaborations. The program aims to develop students' knowledge about sustainable agriculture practices while providing hands-on learning opportunities and positively contributing to the community. Visit the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm online for more information.