Farmers’ Markets for All

Lead Mentor: Eric Obeysekare, Computer Science and Engineering 

2024 Impact Fellows:
Ali Feinblatt '27
Cyrilstan Sowah-Nai '27

Project Description:
The Bethlehem Farmers’ Market is a staple of the Lehigh University and Southside communities every week from April to November, offering fresh produce, baked goods, natural goods, and more. It is also an important community gathering space, offering connection, entertainment, and community. Like many such markets, though, there are some community members who are less well-served by its offerings, and operational improvements and innovations that could be made. New for the 2024 CSIF, in year one this project team will develop new practices and research to fulfill two of Lehigh’s critical sustainability goals:

• Develop a comprehensive Farmers’ Market Sustainable Practices Plan and Guide that elevates the Bethlehem Farmers’ Market’s own practices with regard to the three pillars of sustainability (a goal within the 2030 Sustainability Plan)
• Expand the use of SNAP benefits at the market level, increasing accessibility and equity at the market and encouraging more sustainable and circular food systems on and around Lehigh’s campus (a sub-goal within the above goal)

All majors are welcome to apply. Ideal students for this project are those interested in local food systems, non-profit organizational development, alleviating poverty, fostering equity, and organizational change.