Campus gardens: Food production or sense of place?

Authors

  • Natalee Ridgeway Brescia University College
  • June Matthews Brescia University College

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15353/cfs-rcea.v2i1.23

Keywords:

university, formative evaluation, qualitative, survey, food, nutrition, sustainability

Abstract

Campus gardens can provide opportunities for experiential learning and enhanced physical and mental health; however, they require substantial commitments of time, money, and effort. This formative evaluation explored the perspectives of a university population on the establishment of a campus garden prior to its implementation. Phase 1 involved an electronic survey of the entire population at a small university (N=1300). Phase 2 consisted of 11 in-depth interviews with survey respondents who were interested in furthering the dialogue. The majority (85%) of the 415 individuals who responded to the survey and all interviewees supported the idea of a campus garden. Compared to a shared/community garden or rental plot, participants preferred a low-maintenance forest garden. Food production was secondary to protection of the natural environment and providing a space for rest and reflection. Participants’ sense of community, combined with knowledge of the university’s history, mission, and values, reflected a strong sense of place, a key component of social sustainability. Perhaps it is time to consider alternate options to traditional community gardens on university campuses. This research suggests that forest gardens, with their low-maintenance approach to food production and their potential to promote social sustainability through an enhanced sense of place, may be a good place to start.

Author Biographies

Natalee Ridgeway, Brescia University College

Graduate Student

Masters of Science in Foods and Nutrition (MScFN)

June Matthews, Brescia University College

Associate Professor

Division of Food & Nutritional Sciences

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Published

2015-05-15

How to Cite

Ridgeway, N., & Matthews, J. (2015). Campus gardens: Food production or sense of place?. Canadian Food Studies La Revue Canadienne Des études Sur l’alimentation, 2(1), 99–118. https://doi.org/10.15353/cfs-rcea.v2i1.23

Issue

Section

Research Articles