College Initiative: Growing Local Food on Campus
Posted on Thursday, May 18th, 2017
The term “local food” can mean many things to many people. A popular term is a “100-kilometer” diet – having the majority of the food the winds up on your plate coming from a radius of 100 kms from your place of residence. In the United States, the radius gets a bit larger with a “100-mile diet”.
At Algonquin College, local food (on the scale of just meters!) is happening right on campus and offers great fresh food for students and employees; applied learning experiences; and opportunities to unwind by getting your hands in the dirt.
Horticultural Industries Program Farm Store
The farm store is run 12- 1 pm on Tuesdays and Fridays in Spring and Summer as part of the popular Horticultural Industries program. In the Spring, plant seedlings, perennials and annuals are available. When the produce comes in from the gardens, fresh vegetables at great prices make the 4.5 acres of the gardens at M building a great place to stop by during lunch breaks. A common sight at the gardens is professors from the School of Hospitality and Tourism choosing produce and herbs to include in culinary classes and meals in Restaurant International.
Community Garden
For employees who want to get their hands in the dirt, a small community garden located adjacent to the Students’ Association athletic field originates from the Human Resources team. All employees, and even students who are around during the summer months, can be involved in growing vegetables to share.
Herb Garden
Located in a small courtyard on the South side of Student Commons (E Building) and D Building, are a number of raised beds to grow herbs and some vegetables for use in the summer and early fall Culinary Arts programs. The beds were constructed by students in the Horticultural Industries program. Students in Culinary Arts program harvest these herbs and vegetables that are grown just steps away from their classrooms.
Group leading initiative: Multiple
For more information, contact:
Algonquin College
613-727-4723
sustainability@algonquincollege.com