At seven of Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses, campus gardens and farms help students learn and connect with nature, advance sustainable food practices and promote mental well-being. The plots at campuses range in size from a few dozen square feet to multiple acres, but each of them shows students new ways to engage with nature and the community around them.

Combined, the programs donate hundreds of pounds of food each year to local food banks, including Lion’s Pantry. They sell produce through farmer’s markets or stands in the community and provide plants for research and in-class demonstrations. Some are open for visitors to take food as they please, or to practice yoga and mindfulness in an outdoor space.

Across the wide range of programs, the gardens and farms are united in the goal to improve the lives of their campuses and surrounding communities. For those who participate, they offer a broader sense of understanding: where food comes from, why it matters and how to grow it themselves.

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