In recent years, sustainability has become a key focus for many college campuses around the world, and the Hilltop is no exception. For many years, we have had the food garden be a staple of our sustainability efforts. Our gardens not only provide fresh produce but also serve as educational tools for those wishing to learn more about the culture of sustainability. I had the pleasure of visiting these gardens many times this semester, so in this blog post, I will detail the food gardens, and how we utilize them here at St. Edward’s.

Growing Fresh Produce

The best way to source food is to grow it yourself! Our food garden plots can vary in size and design, ranging from small plots tended by student volunteers to larger, more structured operations managed by our campus sustainability leaders. Aside from those who volunteer, St. Ed’s also allows for students to rent plots, and grow what they wish. Regardless of the scale, the primary goal remains consistent: to grow fresh, humanly sourced produce that can supplement the dining hall’s offerings and promote food self-sufficiency.

Many college food gardens employ sustainable growing practices such as organic farming methods, companion planting, and water-efficient irrigation systems. It is important to note that in the spirit of sustainability, there are no pesticides or herbicides utilized in the gardens.

Utilization in Dining Halls

I would say that the most rewarding aspects of growing our own food is seeing what’s grown end up on student’s plates. Almost all of the food we grow is somehow used in our on campus, the freshly harvested food being incorporated into primarily the salad bar, but also included in other meals, providing students with nutritious and flavorful options while reducing the carbon footprint associated with large scale food delivery. Moreover, the presence of campus-grown food fosters a greater connection between students and their meals, promoting awareness of where food comes from and the effort required to produce it. I think that this connection between the garden plots to the plates allows students to understand the effort it takes to have the food on their plate, and may encourage them to visit the garden at some point in the semesters.

Composting Systems
Sustainability doesn’t just end with growing our own food on the Hilltop. Food scraps, garden trimmings, and coffee grounds, any nearly all other organic matter is diverted from our waste on campus, and transformed into nutrient-rich compost. This compost is then utilized in the gardens, creating that cycle of food growth, consumption, and the repurposing of waste, in order to remain sustainable. It’s no secret that composting not only reduces the environmental impact of food waste but also provides valuable educational opportunities for students interested to learn about soil health and nutrient cycling. Many of our ENSP classes teach about this cycle, and provide opportunities to get involved

Contributing to a Sustainable Campus

Collectively, the elements of sustainable food practices here on the Hilltop contribute to a more sustainable campus environment in multiple ways. By growing fresh produce on-site, reducing unnecessary food deliveries, and diverting organic waste that students produce, the gardens are a key component to making St. Edward’s a more sustainable campus. Moreover, they serve as great ways for students to learn about the practices of sustainability, encouraging engagement with the campus gardens, or even informing students on how to start their very own food plots.

In conclusion, the Hilltop food gardens are more than just a few patches of soil tucked away in a corner of campus—they are great markers of our commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency. By growing a sizeable amount of produce for students, sending it to our dining halls, and still using what is left extends the average lifecycle of a food garden. For the many years to come, the Hilltop and our sustainability efforts will be shown not just by how we learn, but by how we act. As we continue to grapple with global challenges such as climate change and food insecurity, the role of campus food gardens, although seeming small in impact, will only grow in importance, serving as the first step of many on the road to a healthier, and more sustainable future.

-Blog Post by Jordan Escamilla.

-Image supplied by St. Edward’s