Arcadia University’s Department of Public Health has received a $2,000 grant from the Montgomery County Health Alliance (MCHA) to support the development of a community garden on campus.

The long-term goal of the garden is to supply fresh produce to Arcadia’s Knights for Nutrition food pantry and the New Life Food Pantry in Glenside. It will be located behind the parking lot at the Benton Spruance Art Center (on top of the old pickleball court). The Facilities team has already installed a small stone walkway for accessibility.

The community garden will also be a place for everyone on campus to gather and socialize. Research shows that community gardens build social capital, help with stress management, and provide nutritious food.

Dené Mitchell, MPH Courses and Student Engagement Coordinator, will support the garden project with the Department along with other Arcadia community members. Mitchell and students will begin building the garden this summer, and plan to have a modest harvest of basic garden vegetables and herbs in the fall. Students from across the University have expressed interest in ongoing support.

All students, faculty, and staff who are interested are invited to join the garden team.

The grant was facilitated by Montgomery County Foundation, Inc., the fiscal Sponsor for the MCHA.

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