Addressing Food Insecurity by Fostering a Community of Care at U of G

As a co-op student for the Ontario Agricultural College, I have had the chance to learn about  different experiential learning opportunities on campus. Experiential learning is a unique way for  students to gain real-world experience to achieve a deeper understanding of their learning while  building skills helpful for future careers and schoolwork.  

One project I became particularly passionate about was the Gryphon Greenhome Growers (3G) initiative. This is an on-campus, student-led group that helps students, like me, combine our love  for learning in a hands-on environment with our desire to help others. In my role of media relations for 3G, I help spread the word out about the work we do and our impact on the campus  community. 

This initiative, partnered with the CSA student food bank, helps students learn how to grow  plants in U of G’s Bovey teaching greenhouse with the goal of providing a fresh food option for  students in need. 

‘It can be challenging for food banks to offer fresh produce," says retired U of G staff member,  Charlene Winchcombe-Forhan, creator of the 3G initiative. "The vegetables and herbs cultivated  and donated by 3G provide freshly harvested plant foods which provide a taste of home to the  meals of our food insecure students.’ 

More than 760 lbs of vegetables and herbs have been cultivated by 3G and donated since the  Winter 2024 semester. This means an additional 760 lbs of fresh food on the plates of hungry U  of G students.

“Anyone who is new to campus, anxious, or feels alone, can know that somebody, out of the  goodness of their heart, has provided something like this for them,” says Mrs. Winchcombe Forhan. “It fills a really important need on campus.”  

I had the opportunity to sit down with some OAC students who volunteer with 3G to discuss  their experiences. First year Environmental Sciences student, Maya Thompson, heard of the  group through friends in the Horticulture club and explained “I like plants and being a part of the  greenhouse and growing things. We are learning how to harvest, when to harvest, and how to  treat different plants.” 

Environmental Sciences student, Grace Crunican explained to me what she has learned since  starting to volunteer “We are getting good at naming plants. It's good to get your hands dirty”  

When I asked what their favourite part about 3G is, Grace said “It is good to have a break from  studying to help. We usually come in the middle of the day before class. It is nice to be off my phone and see my friends while being a part of something important.” 

Being a part of 3G feels truly special to me. Not only is the initiative good for the U of G  community, it is an important part of experiential learning, as well as a way to de-stress and have  fun growing plants with friends. It is a significant, accessible way to connect, and I plan to be a  part of it for years to come.  

If you are interested in the 3G initiative, you can connect through their Instagram: @gryphongreenhomegrowers or email Mrs. Winchcombe-Forhan (cwinchco@uoguelph.ca) to inquire about 3G volunteer opportunities.