Who We Are
The Edible Campus Program aims to address local food insecurity by repurposing underutilized spaces for sustainable food production, turning waste into food, and engaging students as growers and producers. We train students in practices that address social, economic, and environmental aspects of sustainability and help them to reclaim their personal connection to the land and their food.
Our program started with the Urban Orchard, in which we planted 7 citrus trees in Storke Plaza. The Orchard was launched with the mentorship and financial support of the Johnson Ohana Foundation. The Hydroponic Vertical Garden Project was our second project to launch (Spring 2017) in partnership with the UCSB Recreation Center and the associated student governance board. The Student Farm, opened in February 2019, is a small scale farm at West Campus. The farm is a space that fosters community, as well as education, all while connecting students back to their food source and the land. All of the food grown at these three locations is harvested and distributed through the Associated Students Food Bank and the Miramar Food Pantry (food pantries serving students who are food insecure at UCSB).
The Edible Campus Program is a coalition of several groups. The Associated Students Department of Public Worms is the heart of our program, keeping all three growing projects running on a day to day basis and providing continuity for the effort. The Associated Students Food Bank distributes the food to students in need. UCSB Sustainability provides support with fundraising, development of new programs, guidance in working through the campus approval process and manages the education and outreach efforts of the Edible Campus Program. Volunteers from across the campus and the community ensure the continuation of this unique program.
Come get involved!
For additional questions or giving opportunities, please contact: Katie Maynard (805) 448-5111 or click on the Give Now button.
Meet the Team
A glimpse of the passionate interns that create workshops, manage gardens, and are the backbone of the Edible Campus Program!