It was a hot summer Monday morning at UNCG Gardens on McIver Street. Nichole Owens was making a difference for dozens of individuals who have found themselves homeless.
Each Monday, the UNCG senior harvests produce from select plots at the garden. And the vegetables become part of the Monday evening meal served at Greensboro’s Interactive Resource Center (IRC). The center is the city’s day resource center for those who are homeless.
Through groups providing fresh produce, the preparers can minimize use of canned or processed foods in the meal. A nutrition major who knows the value of healthy foods, Nichole likes that.
This is one of many ways UNCG students, faculty, staff and alumni have contributed to the IRC’s mission in helping homeless people since its founding in 2009.
The garden is part of UNCG’s sustainability effort – and it is a learning tool. Various clubs, classes and individuals volunteer to keep it productive throughout the year. Some of the UNCG Garden’s harvest is used by UNCG Dining Services chefs in select dishes and on the salad bar.
Interested in volunteering at the garden or learning more about UNCG Gardens, which is marking its fifth year? Perhaps your class or organization is interested in having a garden plot this semester?
Visit http://www.uncg.edu/aas/uncg_gardens/ or contact Dr. Susan Andreatta at 336-256-1164.
reposted from UNCG Campus Weekly