The Social Work Department’s Food Insecurity course recently participated in a photo shoot at the Benedict College Community Garden. The garden is a campus-based initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity while promoting education, sustainability, and community engagement in the Columbia area.
As part of the college’s broader community outreach efforts, the garden seeks to enhance quality of life both on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods. It is located at the Tiger’s Den, which also houses a pantry that serves students by increasing access to fresh, healthy foods. Although the garden is in its early stages, it has strong potential to produce vegetables and herbs that can be distributed to students and community members to help reduce food insecurity.
In addition, the garden serves as a hands-on learning environment where students gain experience in agriculture, nutrition, environmental sustainability, and community development. It also fosters partnerships with local organizations, volunteers, and service-learning courses, encouraging collaboration between the college and the broader community. Emphasis is placed on environmentally responsible practices, including local food production, reducing food deserts, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
At its core, the Benedict College Community Garden reflects the institution’s mission of being “a power for good in society” by integrating education with service. It not only supports students’ basic needs but also equips them with practical skills and a deeper understanding of social issues such as hunger, health disparities, and community resilience. This collaboration is made possible by Prisma Health/Live Healthy Richland, Clemson Extension, and The United Negro College Fund.
Click here to view photos of students, staff, and faculty engaged in planting at the Benedict College Community Garden.