| Overall Rating | Bronze - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 36.75 |
| Liaison | Audrey McSain |
| Submission Date | July 10, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Lehigh University
IN-1: Innovation 1
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Delicia
Nahman Sustainability Officer Office of Sustainability |
Title or keywords related to the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome :
Bethlehem Farmers’ Market is located in Campus Square at Lehigh University and offers fresh produce, lunch items, baked goods, natural soaps, and more to Bethlehem and Lehigh Valley residents. The market has been held in Campus Square since 2006, a location selected for its proximity to residents of the South Bethlehem community. The market is a current member of the Buy Fresh, Buy Local organization.
The primary mission of the Bethlehem Farmers’ Market at Campus Square is to provide a safe and clean environment in which local farmers and vendors are able to sell their products to the members of the Bethlehem and greater Lehigh Valley communities - free of charge. In doing so, the Bethlehem Farmers’ Market also provides a space in which local Southside and Lehigh University community members can come together, and seeks to facilitate the interaction and integration of these two groups. The Bethlehem Farmers’ Market strives to highlight the importance of proper nutrition and inform our patrons of the economic and social benefits of buying locally, from producer-only vendors. The market aims to select vendors who offer products that both appeal to our customers and abide by the Buy Fresh, Buy Local guidelines of the Greater Lehigh Valley branch. The Bethlehem Farmers’ Market supports Lehigh University’s Campus Sustainability Plan and Master Plan.
The farmers’ market accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and partners with local agencies to increase awareness of the farmers’ market among the South Bethlehem community. During the 2015 season, the Bethlehem Farmers Market partnered with Buy Fresh Buy Local of the Greater Lehigh Valley (funded by a grant from USDA Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive) to match EBT purchases on fresh fruits and vegetables up to $20 per day.
This project is an innovative example of how the University connects community and campus, encourages local business development, and supports the real food movement.
A brief description of any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation (if not reported above):
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise:
Which of the following STARS subcategories does the innovation most closely relate to? (Select all that apply up to a maximum of 5):
| Yes or No | |
| Curriculum | --- |
| Research | --- |
| Campus Engagement | --- |
| Public Engagement | Yes |
| Air & Climate | --- |
| Buildings | --- |
| Dining Services | --- |
| Energy | --- |
| Grounds | --- |
| Purchasing | --- |
| Transportation | --- |
| Waste | --- |
| Water | --- |
| Coordination, Planning & Governance | --- |
| Diversity & Affordability | --- |
| Health, Wellbeing & Work | --- |
| Investment | --- |
Other topic(s) that the innovation relates to that are not listed above:
The website URL where information about the innovation is available :
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.