Hundreds of students attended the Annual Vendor Market Showcase at East Side Dining on October 29, an event organized by SBU Eats to highlight local and innovative food products through its Retail Incubator Program. The showcase featured a range of items from local, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses, allowing students to sample snacks and treats with unique backgrounds and community impact.
The event aimed to demonstrate how supporting local vendors can help small businesses grow, boost the economy, encourage sustainability, and celebrate cultural diversity. Through ongoing initiatives like this showcase, SBU Eats provides students with access to socially responsible products throughout the year at The Market at West Side and The Emporium at East Side.
Vendors participating in the showcase included Like Air Puffcorn, Undercover Snacks, Brooklyn Delhi, Sucker Punch Pickles, Eleni’s Cookies, Tractor Organic Craft Beverages, Hal’s New York Kettle Chips, David Protein bars, Tastelli – Konjac Jelly, Wilde Brands Protein Chips, Liberty Coke, and f’real Shakes and Smoothies by Rich’s.
The markets are designed for busy student lifestyles by offering convenient grab-and-go options that may not be available in typical retail stores. Each month features three different businesses through the Retail Incubator Program. According to organizers, many of these products quickly become popular among students.
In October, Eleni’s Cookies, Elavi Protein Brownies and Free2Be Foods chocolate cups were highlighted. For November, BarUEat, Salt of the Earth Bakery Cookies and Swoffle organic gluten-free stroopwafel snacks will be featured. Swoffle offers a buy one give one pledge: each box purchased helps provide a meal to someone in need.
Jennifer Jones, Director of SBU Eats who curates product selections based on emerging trends focused on convenience and health benefits for Stony Brook University students said: “Students today are more intentional about what they buy. They want products that taste great and also align with their values around wellness and sustainability,” explained Jones. “We’re committed to making those better choices easy by offering innovative, health-focused, and eco-friendly options at both markets.”
Guests could scan a QR code during the event to provide feedback or suggest new products for campus markets. Jones added: “I love keeping our product lineup fresh and exciting. Each semester I look for new items that resonate with students. For many Stony Brook is their home away from home and I want our markets to reflect the flavors and comforts they enjoy most.” A raffle was held featuring prizes such as a snowboard and snack basket donated by vendors.
A wellness table was also part of the event where attendees met Kelsey Catalano—SBU Eats wellness coordinator—and sampled Made Good organic granola bites.