An ‘Urban Garden’ Takes Root on Montclair State University’ Campus
A small patch of fertile ground grows fresh vegetables for the Red Hawk Pantry
Story by Staff Writer Marilyn Joyce Lehren.
Photos by University Photographer Mike Peters.
Montclair State University
Aug 2023
Excerpt:
“We’re trying to grow as much food as possible as sustainably and organically as possible in the small space that we’re given,” Portes says. “It puts an emphasis on how land doesn’t always have to be a barrier to growing food and having access to food.”
So far this season, 250 pounds of vegetables – about 62% of the crops – have been donated to the Red Hawk Pantry, which provides food and toiletry items for students in need. During growing season, the garden provides a variety of fresh, organic vegetables.
“I want to make sure there is food diversity so students have the options to try new things,” Portes says. “I think the zucchinis, for example, at first students were like, ‘Whoa, what’s that? They’re huge.’ But now people are actually taking the zucchinis in the pantry.”
Portes has a background in organic, permaculture and small-scale farming. As the communication specialist at PSEG ISS, she’s been a podcaster on sustainability issues. But growing up in northern New Jersey, it wasn’t until she was 18 that she actually visited a farm first hand – or even went on a hike.
“Eating my first carrot out of the ground, I thought, this is disgusting,” she recalls. “I remember the farmer telling me, ‘Brittney, that’s what a carrot is supposed to taste like.’ The experience changed my life. I felt connected to something I had never experienced.”
