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 will 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 will be our second project to launch (in April 2017) in partnership with the UCSB Recreation Center and the associated student governance board. The Student Farm, set to open in Summer of 2018 will be a small scale farm at West Campus. The farm will be 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.
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 will be distributing the food to students in need. UCSB Sustainability provides support with fundraising, development of new programs, and guidance in working through the campus approval process. UCSB Sustainability is also funding some student interns to support the early days of the program. Volunteers from across the campus and the community will ensure the continuation of this unique program.
For additional questions or giving opportunities, please contact: Katie Maynard (805) 448-5111 or follow the giving link below.
Come get involved!