Samantha Vasquez

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At Miami Dade College, an initiative is taking root—one that aims to combat food insecurity while fostering a sense of community and sustainability. The MDC Garden and Pantry Project is an eco-conscious effort designed to provide fresh produce and accessible ingredients to students and local residents in need.

Sowing the Seeds of Change

The MDC Garden, spearheaded by dedicated volunteers and community gardeners like Gardener Greg (Gslobel@mdc.edu), offers students and locals an opportunity to engage in urban gardening. The garden yields fresh fruits and vegetables and serves as an educational space where individuals can learn about
sustainable agriculture, food sovereignty, and healthy eating.

For those interested in participating, directions to the garden are available upon request, and volunteers are always welcome. Gardening resources, as well as information on eco-friendly
practices, can be found at the site.

A Helping Hand: The Single Stop Food Pantry

In addition to the garden, MDC’s Single Stop Food Pantry provides free, nutritious food to those who need it most. Directions to the pantry are easily accessible, ensuring that no student or community member goes hungry. The pantry stocks a variety of ingredients, which can be used to create wholesome meals. To further support meal planning, the project also offers free food recipes, ranging from traditional dishes to creative, budget-friendly meals. Visitors can even contribute their recipe ideas by writing them on a designated whiteboard at the pantry or garden.

Interactive Engagement: Vote for your Produce!

One of the unique features of the initiative is its interactive approach. Participants can vote using tallys to indicate which fruits and vegetables they’d like to see grown in the garden and stocked in the pantry. This ensures that the offerings align with community needs and preferences.

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One beloved dish that highlights the importance of accessible ingredients is Lomo Saltado, a Peruvian stir-fry that combines marinated beef, sautéed onions, crispy French fries, and fragrant cilantro.

Ingredients:

ONIONS
BEEF
FRENCH FRIES
RICE
RED BELL PEPPER
CILANTRO
SOY SAUCE, GARLIC, AND
OPTIONAL: AJI AMARILLO FOR
SEASONING

Instructions:

MARINATE THE BEEF: MIX SOY
SAUCE AND MINCED GARLIC
WITH THE BEEF AND LET IT REST
FOR 5-7
MINUTES.
PREPARE THE SAUCE: COMBINE
SOY SAUCE WITH AJI AMARILLO.
STIR-FRY EVERYTHING
TOGETHER: COOK THE BEEF IN A
CAST IRON SKILLET, REMOVE IT,
THEN SAUTÉ ONIONS AND
GARLIC BEFORE MIXING
EVERYTHING TOGETHER.

Sweet Treat: Mango Sorbet

For a refreshing dessert, try blending frozen mango slices, condensed milk, ice, and your milk of choice to make a delightful mango sorbet!

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Beyond Gardening: Addressing Environmental Challenges

A garden that’s successful requires thoughtful maintenance. One pressing issue MDC’s garden faces is the presence of iguanas, which can damage crops. The project is actively exploring humane solutions to mitigate their impact while maintaining a
balanced ecosystem.

Join the Movement in the MDC Library

MDC students, staff, and community members are encouraged to get involved, whether by helping in the garden, voting on produce, or spreading the word about available food resources. A
video tour of the garden and insights from MDC’s Eco Club provide additional inspiration for those looking to participate.

For those who love books, recommended readings on gardening, sustainability, and food security are also available at the garden’s information hub.

The MDC Garden and Pantry Project isn’t just about providing food—it’s about cultivating resilience, connection, and knowledge.
Join us in growing a healthier, more food-secure future!