In 2023, NIU’s Edible Campus program broke ground on more than 100 raised beds throughout campus as well as the 5,000-square-foot Anderson Market Garden. One year later, this community engagement project has transformed the campus – and many hearts and minds.
“During the pandemic we learned how fragile our global food system is. Making our food systems more resilient is one of the core challenges of our time, and NIU is uniquely positioned to make a difference,” says Bryan Flower, assistant director of food systems innovation. “Edible Campus is a collection of gardens that provides fresh food for food insecure students, who can access food by picking it as they walk along or in the dining halls or the Huskie Food Pantry. It’s also a living laboratory of food systems research that will help to transform our region and inspire our students to create a more sustainable future.”
Community Members walk through the Edible Campus Pick and Go Library Garden.
“Edible Campus is impactful and inspiring,” says Rena Cotsones, Ph.D., NIU vice president of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development and chief engagement officer. “We can see the short-term impact right away in the production of healthy food that nourishes our community. Long term, we know that people are thinking more deeply about food justice, the sources of healthy foods, sustainable practices and how to improve our regional food systems.”
In its first year, Edible Campus provided fresh ingredients for over 9,000 meals through Campus Dining Services and the Huskie Food Pantry. NIU students and community members harvested 500 pounds of produce from the 100+ free-to-pick beds. Staff and volunteers harvested over 3,000 pounds of produce from the Market Garden. And the meal prep program provided free food and instruction to help NIU students prepare over 750 meals in the fall 2023 semester alone.
This year, the gardens are expanding and beginning to provide valuable research data as well as fresh local food. Check out this recent NIU Today story to learn more about how NIU is partnering with local businesses and community members to transform food systems in our region.
