"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." - Aldo Leopold

In Fall of 2001 MS3 graduate student, Heather House developed a class project to expose students to local, organically grown produce. Her initial idea produced a landmark agreement between SRU and the university food service provider at the time, ARAMARK to purchase 10% of its produce from Pennsylvania Local Organic Works (PLOW), a seven-member organic agricultural cooperative. "It's not just a matter of putting food on the table for students, it's about providing academic programs and helping students develop habits that will help them later in life," says Wayne Clickman, food service coordinator for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Three other schools in the State System of Higher Education are now likely to embark on a similar agreement with ARAMARK. Source: The Cornerstone, Fall 2002

A trial run of this partnership had two important outcomes, local farmers demonstrating they can deliver a quality product and the idea of purchasing locally become more a part of the climate of the University. Currently a new food service provide AVI has taken over this project with enthusiasm.