Seeking opportunities to give back to local communities, service learning students at Quincy University continue a “growing” tradition started in 2012.

QU Garden Service Learning Opportunity

Adjacent to Quincy University’s Campus Ministry House (20th & Lind Street) sits a small, student-run garden known as the Quincy University Service Learning Community Garden. Now in its third year, the garden has produced more than a half ton of produce for Catholic Charities and area food pantries.

Students start the garden annually each April, deferring responsibilities to students staying in Quincy during the summer months.

Crops include zucchini, yellow squash, tomatoes, peppers, onions, potatoes, radishes, and green beans. As students return for the fall semester, crops are replaced with plants more suitable for cooler weather.

In its first two years, the garden generated an average of 400 pounds of produce each summer. Due to unseasonable weather, however, students anticipate a smaller total in 2015.

The Community Garden is a great way to get students engaged in an ongoing project while giving back to the community,” associate professor of history Megan Boccardi says.