Photos by Nicole Wallace/Daily Nexus
The groundbreaking of the UCSB Edible Campus Program Student Farm, a project supported by the Johnson Ohana Foundation, took place last week. UCSB alumni Jack & Kim Johnson, along with Chancellor Henry T. Yang, and many other community members, helped usher in the celebration.
Edible Campus Student Farm Project from UC Santa Barbara on Vimeo.
The Edible Campus Program started with the Urban Orchard, in which 7 citrus trees were planted in Storke Plaza. The Orchard was launched with the mentorship and financial support of the Johnson Ohana Foundation. The Hydroponic Vertical Garden Project was their second project which launched in partnership with the UCSB Recreation Center and the associated student governance board. The Student Farm, is the organization’s 3rd major project and 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 visit https://giving.ucsb.edu/Funds/Give?id=312
