Growing greenery: Garden Commons provides fresh produce and sustainable food systems
A large part of successful sustainability initiatives on campus are made successful by Sun Devil service and involvement. One of these important initiatives on the Polytechnic campus is the Garden Commons, an urban greenspace that encourages students to become agents of change in their communities. Students can join one of their monthly volunteer days; planting and tending to the garden.
Their mission statement is “to empower a new commitment and understanding of sustainable food systems through dynamic hands-on learning experiences,” open to all Arizona State University students.
Not only is the vision of the Garden Commons to be highly educational, but it is central to reducing food insecurity and providing the campus with a sustainable food system that students can engage with hands-on.
Melissa Kruse-Peeples, program coordinator for University Sustainability Practices, said that the community is central to the garden’s impact.
“We help bring our ASU community together by providing opportunities for service projects and enriching the student experience through hands-on experience with gardening, food, native plants and more,” Kruse-Peeples said. “Through volunteer and class opportunities, students can participate in all aspects of growing food.”
An extension of their program is the Garden Commons Farm Stand, where students can take home up to three free fresh produce items every week. It is entirely stocked from the Garden Commons and offers additional non-perishable items. The Farm Stand is open every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. by Red Lot 10.
Kaelyn Flowers, University Sustainability Practices sustainability programming assistant and student studying mechanical engineering systems at Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, has experience running the Farm Stand.
“We have many regulars who come to the Farm Stand every week,” Flowers said. “It is always exciting to see familiar faces who love getting fresh produce. The Farm Stand is often students’ first interaction with Garden Commons, giving them a little look into what we do.”
Sun Devils have plenty of opportunities to engage with the Garden Commons, and the most unique interaction is the bond created between staff and students.
“My favorite is when students start sharing how they use different produce,” Kruse-Peeples said. “It is fun to see students get excited about trying new foods and learning more about their peers through food. Not everyone knows what kale is, for example. The farm stand not only provides the produce but educates about how kale grows, what it tastes like and how you can use it.”
While the Farm Stand may initially attract student attention, the Garden Commons is its own force.
“We view the Farm Stand and the appeal of free food for students as a gateway to come in and enjoy the garden, learn about sustainable food production and participate in our other programs,” Kruse-Peeoples said. “They stay and return to see what’s growing, look for monarch butterflies, bring their friends or family by for a photo or just enjoy a study break in a beautiful setting.”
Outside of student involvement, the Garden Commons makes donations throughout the Valley to help expand its outreach and impact.
“The garden produces a lot of food,” Kruse-Peeples said. “Around 400 to 600 pounds annually. We give that food back to our community through donations to local food pantries, as well as our ASU community through the weekly Farm Stand.”
On the grounds, there are 22 citrus trees, 16 raised garden beds and on-site composting facilities to support Zero Waste. Since they began tracking output in 2019, the Garden Commons has donated 3,315 pounds of food, hosted 80 events, logged 2,240 engagement hours and recorded 1,523 volunteer hours, according to their 2023 flipbook.
It is important to maintain green spaces in urban centers, as they help connect residents with the outdoors and, in the process, reinforce physical and mental wellness.
“Green spaces are an important part of all ASU campuses, providing relaxing spaces to connect with nature but also serves to cool our urban landscape and provide habitat for pollinators and urban wildlife,” Kruse-Peeples said. “The garden has the added benefit of providing fresh, healthy produce.”
For Sun Devils interested in getting involved, there are plenty of opportunities. The Garden Commons monthly volunteer days, most often on Fridays, are when they plant and tend to the garden. Student organizations can also arrange volunteer events through the garden to get members and the community involved.
“We also have a more committed program called Garden Ambassadors,” Kruse-Peeples said. “Students commit to coming once a week for 12 weeks and we have a curriculum about gardening in addition to hands-on opportunities.”
To stay up-to-date with the Garden Commons and upcoming volunteer events, follow their Instagram account @asugardencommons and join their Sun Devil Sync.
