Monday, Jul 18, 2016
Fresh, free ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø-grown organic vegetables available Thursdays in Cranberry’s
by Alexa Caplinger ’16
ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø's Green Acres Garden will host Garden Giveaways of fresh organic vegetables every Thursday this summer from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Cranberry’s. The array of produce available will depend on the growing cycle for the items in the garden. Over the summer, and depending on the week, there will be lettuce, sugar snap peas, flowers, kale, tomatoes, peppers, squash, eggplant, cucumbers, spinach and various herbs.
The garden is being run this summer by hired garden managers, farmers and ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø students Amanda Bumpas '19, Lauren Sweet '19 and Leah Thomas '19.
"Growing and nurturing something that brings smiles to others makes me feel happy," says Thomas. "I'm glad to be a part of something bigger that connects people together."
Sponsored by the Energy and Sustainability Steering Committee, Student Affairs, Facilities Management and Ortho-McNeil-Janssen, the garden is able to give away the produce free of charge. In lieu of payment, garden managers ask that patrons serve in the garden in exchange for the produce.
Founded in June 2011, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø’s Green Acres is an organic community garden that focuses on connecting the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½¹ÙÍø community through educating the campus about sustainable agriculture. The garden is located by the front gate, between the Joseph P. Vona Academic Annex and Van Cleve House.
Managed by a Garden Team, as well as many volunteers, the garden offers many opportunities for students, from volunteering to researching and interning. The garden produces organic fruits, vegetables and herbs that include many varieties of leafy greens and summer vegetables. Participants gain a wealth of information about food production and its impact on the environment. In 2012, the garden was expanded and, since then, the fresh produce grown in the garden has been given away on a weekly basis.
Dr. Laura Hyatt, an associate professor, created and advised the Green Acres Garden and trained student managers and volunteers since 2011. The Green Acres Garden is now seeking a new garden adviser, and the team is always looking for volunteers for the community garden. If you are interested in getting involved or are a faculty or staff member interested in advising, please contact Melissa Greenberg at megreenberg@rider.edu.