FARMINGTON – A panel discussion on consumer choices will take place Thursday at the University of Maine at Farmington.

The topic, “How can what you buy make a difference for others,” will be addressed at the 11:45 a.m. discussion in C-23 in Roberts Learning Center.

As part of a yearlong study on social activism, some students asked if consumers can make a difference, prompting the discussion, said Valerie Huebner, representing the UMF Diversity Committee.

Two students, Emily Baer and Edie Davis, will engage Professors Kristina Wolff and Drew Barton and retired faculty member Lee Sharkey in a discussion about purchases from world-wide markets and local food choices, she said.

“The point is to help consumers be more aware of their choices without a lot of people preaching answers,” she added.

“It’s complex issue raising questions of whether consumers can make a difference,” she said.

The Diversity Club has sponsored two other activities on activism this year. A film based on the children of Guatemala harvesting items from a dump has prompted a spring trip to Guatemala for some students.

A program on voting as a form of activism was also held with students sharing why they vote, she added.

The public is welcome to attend the panel discussion Thursday.