Sodexo Donates $15,000 to the Student Farm at Purdue University for New Hoop House
Hoop house provides students with important experiential learning opportunities and benefits to the community
GAITHERSBURG, Md., March 3, 2017 /3BL Media/ – Sodexo, world leader in Quality of Life services, is donating $15,000 to the Student Farm at Purdue University to build a hoop house, a type of greenhouse that will enable students to grow produce throughout the year. The produce will then be used at the school cafeteria and sold to local businesses.
The Student Farm is a working farm on the Purdue University campus that is led by students who have an academic interest in agriculture. Students gain real-world farming experience by growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers using the principles that naturally govern balanced eco systems, including emphasis on diversity, healthy soil, healthy plants, and healthy people. Its educational work covers:
- How to grow food on a small, ecological scale;
- The art of marketing produce for profit;
- How to eat vegetables in delicious, nourishing ways, and;
- Understanding how food intersects with environment, economy and the community.
“The hoop house greatly expands the Student Farm’s ability to provide students with experiential learning opportunities,” said Student Farm faculty advisor, Steve Hallett, PhD. He added, “This will also enable the farm to provide healthy, locally sourced food to the university and the community year-round. This would not otherwise be possible due to the area’s winter climate conditions.”
Sodexo spends $36 million annually on produce that is locally sourced across the United States from over 1,400 state and regional farms. Sourcing local foods allows Sodexo to create economic opportunities for small businesses and rural communities, while offering more flavorful and healthful food options for its customers.
“Supporting the Student Farm at Purdue University is part of Sodexo’s commitment to source locally grown produce and make a positive impact in the local communities where we operate,” said Greg Lepore, Director of Business Development at Sodexo. “The long-term plan is to source produce from the Student Farm for Sodexo’s accounts in the Lafayette community.”
Sodexo delivers more than 100 services across North America that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life. The Fortune Global 500 company is a leader in delivering sustainable, integrated facilities management and foodservice operations.
Learn more about Sodexo at its corporate blog, Sodexo Insights.
