Sustainable Shopping: 7 Spots to Shop Local Produce In and Around State College PA
- Molly Sneddon
- Jul 2
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 14
Shopping sustainably is difficult, but grocery shopping with the environment in mind can be even more challenging. In the supermarket, options can be overwhelming, and can leave shoppers feeling lost. Aspects such as food miles (the distance food travels from production to consumer), nutritiousness, and the impact on surrounding economies have led many to support local producers and small businesses instead of large, mainstream retailers.
If you are looking to shop a bit more sustainably and support your neighbors' businesses, read through our list of seven local farms and markets providing access to fresh produce directly from surrounding communities.
This is an opinion piece. It is not an endorsement for any of the businesses listed and does not reflect the opinions of Penn State University. Businesses are in alphabetical order.
Nittany Mall, 2901 E College Ave Suite 506, State College, PA 16801
"We are a producer-only market, so all our items are grown, raised or otherwise directly prepared by the producers listed".
Featuring 40+ local farmers' and chefs' produce and products, Centre Markets is a great place to support the community and get farm-fresh food. Whether you shop in-store or online, Centre Markets makes it easy to find healthy ingredients for every meal.
Orders can be placed online "anytime between Wednesday at noon and Friday [at] 5pm for pickup or delivery on Saturday". Delivery is available in State College, Boalsburg, Lemont, and Pine Grove Mills.
2191 W Whitehall Rd, State College, PA 16801
Whether you are looking for fruits, veggies, or flowers, Harner Farm has you covered! With an assortment of seasonal produce (right now, that means sweetcorn, watermelon, tomatoes, and so much more), eating healthy and supporting your community has never been easier.
Open from 9am - 6pm Monday through Saturday (12pm - 5pm on Sunday), stop in any day of the week and see what Harner Farm has to offer!
2390 S Atherton St, State College, PA 16801
"Meyer Dairy Farms’ 350 Holstein (black and white) cows are at the heart of the year-round “moo-st memoo-rable” family dairy farm experience in Centre County, Pennsylvania".
With a history dating back to 1887, Meyer Dairy has been a State College staple for generations. The current location, built in 1970, offers a selection of farm-fresh milk, heavy cream, and ice cream, in addition to a variety of locally-sourced products.
One aspect that makes Meyer Dairy a State College sustainability staple is their glass milk jugs. Repeat shoppers can drop off their used glass jugs when purchasing milk, which are then cleaned and reused. As their website explains, "simply bring in the empty bottle to be sanitized and reused, and receive a discount on your next bottle"!
2331 Commercial Blvd, State College, PA 16801
"Better Health. Better Living. Better You".
Boasting 40 regional suppliers (producers within 200 miles of the shop's location), Nature's Pantry is helping reduce the distance everyday items travel from source to shelf, lowering emissions. From allergy-free offerings to bulk grains, Nature's Pantry offers variety while prioritizing the well-being of their customers.
Tuesday through Saturday, stop in and see what Nature's Pantry has to offer!
Locust Lane, State College, PA 16801
Conveniently located in downtown State College, the State College Farmer's Market runs every Friday from 11:30am - 5:30pm, May through November. Self-identifying as a "producer-only market", all of their vendors "grow or produce the items they have for sale".
From fresh pasta to beautiful flowers, the State College Farmer's Market provides visitors the opportunity to support local businesses and farms, all in one place.
To see the weekly vendor lineup, follow State College Farmer's Market on Instagram.
179 Tait Road, Centre Hall, Pennsylvania 16828
"Award Winning Artisan Foods made in small batches by hand in the heart of Central Pennsylvania, a region also known as Happy Valley"
About a 15 minute drive from Old Main, Tait Farms offers over 65 handmade products, including baking mixes, fruit spreads, and more. Whether you purchase online or visit The Harvest Shop & Greenhouse in person, you can support local producers that value handcrafted products and certified organic produce.
Fun fact: Tait Farm was started by two Penn State graduates, Marian and Elton Tait!
2355 Halfmoon Valley Rd, Port Matilda, PA 16870
"Fresh. Local. Natural."
One of the most easily accessible locations for students in this list, Way Fruit Farm's Downtown Market & Cafe is located in downtown State College, about two blocks from Old Main. With a rich history stretching back 6 generations, Way Fruit Farm has long been a staple in Centre County.
Whether you visit the farm or their downtown location, you will find sustainably grown fruits, as well as baked goods, dry grocery items, and locally sourced vegetables.
Comments