ISU Office of Sustainability introduces new produce program

Image courtesy of the Office of Sustainability

NORMAL, Ill. – A new sustainability program will provide students with low-cost, high-quality produce once a week for eight weeks.

The The Redbird Fresh Market was developed by a group of students from the College of Business’ Innovative Consulting Community course in which they were told to increase access to fresh produce for students living off-campus. Faculty and staff are also welcome to participate. Office of Sustainability Graduate Assistant Ryleigh Hickman explained the importance of eating sustainably

“I come with the human rights aspect of sustainability. Recognizing the sustainable development and slow approaches to sustainability so that it’s longer lasting,” Hickman said. “We’re listening to the needs and meeting the needs of students.”

Participants pay a one time fee of $64 to pick up fresh produce for the semester. Included in the bag are grapes, apples, oranges, carrots, romaine lettuce, a tomato, a pepper, and a cucumber.

“Our approach towards sustainability is recognizing the great effects of having a healthy and nutritious produce,” Hickman said. “Often for students who might not have access to this produce, they might buy from fast food or other places to get their nutrition, which has its own aspect of problems with sustainability.”

Bags are available for pickup every Friday on the second floor of the Bone Student Center. Pickup times are between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Registration for the fall 2025 semester will begin in April.