A group of University faculty members and students is doing its part to ensure those who visit a University dining location eat their veggies. The group has created an herb and vegetable garden near Hereford Residential College, which supplied Runk Dining Hall with basil in the fall and likely will provide more homegrown vegetables and herbs next semester, according to Hereford Principal Nancy Takahashi.
Although Dining Director of Operations Terry Locklair said he was not familiar with the Hereford garden, he said the garden fits well with the organic and local produce University Dining is trying to incorporate as part of its "green" initiatives.
As of yet, however, only a few of the organic products grown in the garden have made a Runk menu appearance. Takahashi said Runk Chef Josh Windley has participated in Hereford's gardening effort and used basil grown in the garden to create a pesto sauce during the fall semester.
Aside from its basil, the garden has yet to produce foods that are very appetizing to students. Malone Faculty Resident Keith Williams noted Siberian kale is growing well but is not popular among students. More popular leafy greens and herbs will hopefully flourish in the fall, he said, allowing salad-loving students to eat their fill. He also added that Runk summer diners might see Hereford-grown snap peas in about five weeks.
Other future offerings from the garden may include onions, carrots, tomatoes, peas, broccoli, beans, cucumber, cabbage and cauliflower, which are being grown now and could be served later this year. Takahashi said the garden, which was planted in the fall and originally only contained herbs, has expanded and now measures about 900 square feet. Though the student- and faculty-grown produce is currently only available in Runk, Williams said some students have expressed interest in selling the goods at a local farmers' market, an option the team will soon explore.
The expanding garden is the brainchild of Williams, according to Takahashi, who said Williams wanted to engage students in an activity beyond the more commonly available social and recreational opportunities.
Williams, who said he moved into Malone from outside of Charlottesville during August, said he was just looking for a place to continue his gardening hobby.
"I knew that is what I would miss the most in town," Williams said.
Currently, the gardening team consists of Williams, Takahashi and about five students, Takahashi said.
Second-year Engineering student Dan Michaelson, who is also majoring in environmental studies and is not a Hereford resident, said he enjoys the garden and the opportunities it brings him.
"I think it's sweet," Michaelson said, noting that he had been looking for a place to grow fresh vegetables before meeting Williams.
Participants also reap the benefits of the efforts, Michaelson noted.
"You work, you eat," he said.
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