Clemson at Sprouts Farmer’s Market Collegiate Quad

On January 10, 2025, Clemson University’s campus is set to host a meeting at the Sprouts Farmer’s Market Collegiate Quad. This meeting will serve as a key opportunity for participants to engage with various academic, social, and industry-focused discussions centered around sustainability, healthy living, and community engagement. The venue, Sprouts Farmer’s Market, provides a unique setting to explore these topics, blending the academic atmosphere of Clemson with the practical, hands-on approach to wellness and environmental responsibility that Sprouts embodies.

Meeting Purpose and Goals

The primary goals of this meeting include:

Promotion of Sustainability and Healthy Living: Highlighting practices for sustainable food sourcing, nutrition, and wellness.
Academic Engagement: Encouraging dialogue between Clemson’s academic leaders and industry professionals on topics such as sustainable agriculture, environmental science, and public health.
Community Collaboration: Fostering partnerships between university groups, local businesses, and larger corporate sponsors like Sprouts to promote social responsibility and mutual growth.

Participants will have the chance to network, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and participate in hands-on activities designed to promote health and sustainability.

Schedule Overview

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Arrival and Registration

Location: Sprouts Farmer’s Market Collegiate Quad Entrance
Upon arrival, attendees will sign in at the registration desk. Participants will receive meeting materials, including the day’s agenda, maps of the venue, and information on the various discussion panels, workshops, and networking opportunities available throughout the day.

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM: Welcome and Opening Remarks

Location: Main Event Space
Hosted by key organizers, including Clemson University representatives and Sprouts Farmer’s Market management.
Keynote Speakers:
- Clemson University Faculty Member: Addressing the importance of integrating sustainability into higher education curricula and the role universities play in shaping future leaders.
- Sprouts Farmer’s Market Representative: Speaking on the role of the retail food industry in fostering community wellness and sustainability.

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Panel Discussion – “Sustainability in Agriculture: Challenges and Opportunities”

Location: Panel Discussion Room
This session will feature experts from the fields of agriculture, environmental science, and sustainability. The panel will focus on the challenges facing modern agriculture, including climate change, soil health, and food security, and discuss the innovations needed to overcome these challenges.
Panelists include:
- Clemson’s Agricultural Research Leader
- Sprouts Farmers Market Sustainability Coordinator
- Local agricultural entrepreneurs
- Experts in sustainable farming techniques

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Networking Lunch and Product Showcase

Location: Dining Area and Vendor Booths
Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a lunch showcasing locally sourced, organic produce and products sold at Sprouts. In addition to the meal, several booths will be set up for attendees to explore products aligned with sustainable living—ranging from eco-friendly food packaging to nutrition-focused supplements.
Highlights:
- Clemson’s Campus Sustainability Group: Sharing information about campus initiatives to reduce carbon footprints.
- Sprouts Vendors: Offering information about their supply chain transparency and sustainability efforts.

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Workshop – “Building a Sustainable Future: Hands-On Solutions”

Location: Workshop Spaces
This interactive session will allow participants to engage directly with experts in sustainability. Topics will include:
- Creating urban gardens and green spaces.
- The importance of reducing food waste and strategies for doing so.
- Composting techniques for urban areas.
Participants will break into small groups to brainstorm ideas and solutions they can implement in their own communities or on the Clemson campus.

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Breakout Session 1 – “Healthy Living and Nutrition”

Location: Breakout Rooms
This session will feature discussions on healthy eating habits, the importance of balanced diets, and practical steps to live more healthily in today’s fast-paced world. Topics covered will include:
- The role of plant-based diets in preventing chronic diseases.
- The importance of local and organic foods.
- How food systems can promote or hinder public health.
Breakout groups will explore how the university and local businesses can collaborate to increase access to healthy food options.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Breakout Session 2 – “Community Engagement for Sustainability”

Location: Breakout Rooms
This session will focus on building partnerships and collaborations between the university, local farmers, businesses, and the broader community to create more sustainable food systems.
- How can local businesses like Sprouts and local farms work together to reduce food deserts?
- How can universities, businesses, and nonprofits collaborate for a common cause?
- Community gardens as a way to build engagement.
Participants will explore ways to foster community-based solutions that can be implemented at Clemson University and beyond.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Closing Remarks and Future Directions

Location: Main Event Space
The final session of the day will highlight the key takeaways from the discussions, workshops, and panels. Organizers will encourage participants to commit to taking action within their own communities, universities, and businesses to support sustainable practices and healthier lifestyles.
Closing Address:
- A reflection on how each of the themes discussed today ties back to Clemson University’s mission of promoting global sustainability and wellness.
- Insights into the next steps, including upcoming partnerships between the university and Sprouts Farmer’s Market.

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Networking Reception

Location: Reception Area
The final hour of the meeting is designed for informal networking. Refreshments will be provided, and attendees can continue to discuss the day’s topics with one another, form partnerships, and exchange contact information.

Event Features

Venue: Sprouts Farmer’s Market Collegiate Quad

The meeting will take place within the beautiful, purpose-driven venue designed to showcase sustainable practices, from energy-efficient lighting to zero-waste operations. Sprouts Farmer’s Market is the ideal setting for this event, reflecting the intersection of education, wellness, and community engagement.

Sustainable Practices at the Event

In line with the meeting’s theme, the event itself will model best practices in sustainability:

Waste Minimization: All event materials, including the event programs and signage, will be printed on recycled or recyclable materials. Composting and recycling stations will be available throughout the venue.
Local and Organic Food Options: All meals, snacks, and drinks will focus on locally sourced, organic, and plant-based options.
Eco-friendly Transportation: Encouraging participants to use public transportation or carpool to the event to reduce carbon emissions. Shuttle services will be available to and from nearby Clemson University campuses and parking areas.

Preparation for Participants

To make the most of this meeting day, participants should:

Prepare Discussion Topics: Come ready with thoughts on sustainable practices in your own field, as well as questions for panelists and workshop leaders.
Bring Business Cards and Networking Materials: This event offers an excellent opportunity to forge new connections in the sustainability and wellness fields.
Dress Comfortably but Professionally: The event will involve both sit-down discussions and hands-on workshops, so it’s important to dress appropriately for a day of learning and active participation.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle: Water stations will be available throughout the venue to help reduce single-use plastic waste.