Victory Gardens & Chickens

Victory Gardens, also called "war gardens" or "food gardens for defense", were gardens planted both at private residences and on public land during World War I and World War II to reduce the pressure on the public food supply brought on by the war effort. In addition to indirectly aiding the war effort, these gardens were also considered a civil "morale booster" in that gardeners could feel empowered by their contribution of labor and rewarded by the produce grown. These gardens produced up to 41percent of all the vegetable produce that was consumed in the nation.
-City Bountiful: A Century of Community Gardening in America, Laura Lawson

In an student led initiative to improve the quality and content of the food pantry, the pantry now proudly hosts 25 garden beds, 13 chickens, and mini orchard! All produce goes to the food pantry, providing fresh produce and eggs for pantry users. Healthy minds, healthy bodies!

Community Engagement + Sustainability has two garden locations (322 Home Ave & 530 York Street) and has spring, summer, and fall seasonal gardens beds to benefit the campus food pantry. Gardens are overseen by our AmeriCorps VISTA and is maintained by student volunteers. We have garden beds to adopt if you would like to grow your own food, we just ask you donate 10% of your produce to the pantry. Students can request a garden bed from April 1 - Oct 31, with application opening in March: Adopt-A-Plot Application – Fill out form

Chickens! Our brood of 13chickens provide fresh eggs and endless entrainment on the daily. You can sponsor a chicken for $50 a year (includes naming rights, chicken updates and photo). Sponsorships help with the upkeep of our birds and keeps them fed!