Tarleton State Fort Worth’s community garden is a small food system that brings students, staff, and local farmers together to grow fresh produce. The garden, which is maintained by volunteers, provides an opportunity for students to learn about urban farming and take home fresh produce.

Partnership with Conundrum Farms

The garden is a result of a partnership between Tarleton State Fort Worth and Conundrum Farms, an urban farm near Benbrook Lake. Conundrum Farms provides the seeds and expertise, while Tarleton State Fort Worth provides the space and labor.

The partnership began after Cort DeHart, owner of Conundrum Farms, met Rachael Capua, dean of Tarleton State Fort Worth, at a farm-to-table dinner. DeHart said, ‘We hope to turn it into a bigger garden or a bigger farm with them one day.’

Benefits of the Garden

The garden has become an important part of the Tarleton State Fort Worth community. Eronia King, director of extended education and workforce development, said, ‘There’s great value in growing food yourself that you can turn around and cook in the kitchen really quick.’ The garden also provides an opportunity for students to learn about nutrition and wellness.

The garden’s produce is also used to support the Purple Pantry, a food pantry on campus that provides food to students in need. Isabel Talamantes, who oversees the pantry, said, ‘The garden gives the pantry another option. Once vegetables are harvested, they are rinsed and brought directly to the pantry’s refrigerator or fresh produce display.’

Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.