July 10, 2015
STARS Steering Committee
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education
2401 Walnut Street
Suite 102
Philadelphia, PA 19103
To Whom It May Concern:
I am pleased to submit this letter of affirmation that the information presented for Lehigh University’s STARS Innovation credit is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. This letter affirms that Lehigh University hosts and oversees a producer-only farmers’ market on campus every Thursday during the months of May-October.
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.
Please let me know if you have any questions about this program.
Sincerely,
Delicia Nahman
Sustainability Officer