All summer, the Peer Health Educators have provided organic vegetables to the Madison College community. The garden, originally started in 2020 during COVID-19, has been managed by the advisor of the Peer Health Educators, Denise Holin, in collaboration with 11 student Peer Health Educators and occasional volunteers. 

Lina DeMarte, a Student Peer Health Educator who is also a part of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), started working with the garden this summer semester. DeMarte helps lead most of the garden’s summer operations. 

“I was inspired to join the garden because of my passion for communities having access to affordable, fresh food,” DeMarte shared. 

Twice a week, student workers like DeMarte, from the Peer Health Educators, provide up to 10-pound red bags filled with vegetables for drive-up and pick-up behind the Truax Health Building. During the summer months, that includes fresh produce from the garden. 

As someone who struggles with food allergies, DeMarte understands how difficult it can be to source affordable fresh vegetables, especially as a student living independently. 

“Hopefully, students take advantage of the produce we supply and learn how to cook and use the veggies; ideally, I would like every person to have access to a garden like we do at MATC,” DeMarte added. 

For students with special dietary needs, food sensitivities, or allergies who cannot make pick-up times during the pantry’s operating hours, the Peer Health Educator Organization provides food lockers on the first floor of the Truax Health Building. 

Students with special dietary needs, food sensitivities, or allergies can request food bags appropriate to their individual needs by contacting Denise Holin at [email protected]. 

The Peer Health Educator Organization plans to bring the Summer Garden back next year, this time expanding the availability of vegetables and herbs to those more suitable for the fall to extend access to students. 

As the garden winds down for the summer, the Food Pantry will continue into the fall. The Food Pantry will kick off this fall with Semester Start bags containing school supplies. Last school year ended with Stress Less bags, which quickly became a favorite among students. The care bags supplied students with various self-care items. There will also be grab-and-go bags provided throughout the semester. The grab-and-go bags contain basic essentials for students in need. 

Students will be able to start picking up non-perishable food items starting Tuesday, Aug. 27. Throughout the fall semester, the Food Pantry will be open at the Truax Health Center on Tuesdays from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. At the Goodman South Campus, it will be open on Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

To stay up to date with future events, grab bags, ways to volunteer, and to suggest vegetables you would like to have access to in the upcoming growing season, follow the Peer Health Educators on WolfPack Connect.