SBU Eats Vendor Market Showcase Brings Local Flavor, Wellness and Community Connection

Hundreds of students gathered at East Side Dining on October 29 as SBU Eatshosted its vibrant Annual Vendor Market Showcase, transforming the boulevard into a celebration of local flavor and innovation through the Retail Incubator Program. From handcrafted snacks to sustainably sourced treats, students sampled products from local, women-owned and minority-owned businesses, each with its own story and community impact.

The event highlighted how supporting local vendors not only fuels small business growth but also strengthens the economy, promotes sustainability and celebrates cultural diversity. Through initiatives like this, SBU Eats continues to bring students closer to the makers behind the brands they love, featuring socially responsible products year-round at The Market at West Side and The Emporium at East Side.

The Vendor Market Showcase featured the following vendors: 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.

Curated for the busy student lifestyle, the markets feature convenient, grab-and-go products that students may not find in traditional retail settings, combining innovation with purpose. Each month, the markets highlight three different businesses through the Retail Incubator Program, and many of the featured products become instant favorites, often selling out by the end of the month due to high demand.

During October, the markets featured Eleni's Cookies, Elavi Protein Brownies and Free2Be Foods chocolate cups. November will feature BarUEat, Salt of the Earth Bakery Cookies and Swoffle organic, gluten free stroopwafel snacks, which offer a buy one, give one pledge so that every box purchased helps provide a wholesome meal to someone in need.

SBU Eats Director Jennifer Jones curates selections based on emerging trends, focusing on convenient, high-protein and better-for-you options that appeal to Stony Brook University students.

"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."

All guests were invited to scan a QR code to share feedback on their favorite products and suggest new ones they'd like to see on campus. "I love keeping our product lineup fresh and exciting," said Jones. "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." SBU Eats hosted a raffle for a snowboard and snack basket from vendor donations.

The event also featured a wellness table where students had an opportunity to connect with Kelsey Catalano, SBU Eats wellness coordinator, and sample Made Good organic granola bites.