This past week, Sonoma State University gave students a chance to try out their green thumbs in the campus garden. Located near the Environmental Technology Center, the campus garden is one of SSU’s best spots for those interested in horticulture and gardening. The event from this week focused on promoting awareness of organic food production, as well as gardening methods.

SSU has a long history of gardening that dates back to the 1970s. The goal of the program is focused on teaching students useful techniques and ideas, along with producing food for nearby pantries. This week’s event was organized by the group Join Us in Making Progress (JUMP) through its sustainability coalition. According to their webpage, they describe themselves as an organization who, “focus on providing students with educational volunteer opportunities that focus on helping our campus and our community become more sustainable.’’ They are able to do this through volunteer work, which comes with low-commitment opportunities. This means that the volunteer work does not have to interrupt any busy student schedules, and helping hands can drop in as needed. JUMP has also hosted a number of other events on campus this year, such as the Earth Day Fair. 

Food created through the garden goes to a local food bank called NOAH’s food pantry. Neighbors Organized Against Hunger, abbreviated NOAH, was founded in 2004. It is located in the parking lot across the street from Rancho Cotate High School. This pantry is able to provide food to students, residents in need, as well as homeless community members. This is especially important in this community, as we have a large population of students nearby. 

According to The Press Democrat, the homeless population in Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park combined is estimated to be over 1,200 people. Having a source of healthy free food for these individuals is important, as they may not be able to afford the marked up prices of organic food in stores. One student who wished to remain anonymous commented on the services, saying, “I think a lot of people who go here (Sonoma State University) can’t afford to have fresh stuff in our kitchen all the time, so it’s cool that we can eat fresh from our own garden here.”

The campus garden makes a significant impact on the amount of food produced locally, with their website claiming over 1,000 pounds of product every year is sent out. In November 2018, JUMP also had an event called, “Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.” This event benefited Sonoma State directly, as the proceeds from the garden went to Lobo’s Pantry on campus. 

During their time volunteering, students at this week’s event learned about the laborious and rewarding process of growing food. By witnessing the process and hard work it takes to just create a small garden of products, JUMP Sustainability hopes to raise awareness for food waste and consumption. Those who attended the event got a look at the use of compost, irrigation, and planting techniques that are used to be successful. The event also offered a hands-on approach to gardening, something that many people find to be more engaging than sitting in a class. 

Those interested in signing up for the next event should keep an eye out on Seawolf Living, or contact JUMP at [email protected].