| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 57.98 |
| Liaison | Jay Price |
| Submission Date | March 6, 2020 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
IN-24: Innovation A
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.00 / 1.00 |
Jay
Price Sustainability Manager Facilities Services |
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
The Grow Lab is an outdoor classroom and laboratory, a hub for community engagement, and a space for experiential and service–learning. The innovative hallmark of this program is that all produce is donated to Smokey’s Pantry, a campus food pantry dedicated to serving students, faculty, and staff. The student garden manager tends to half of these plots. The rest of plots are reserved by specific courses and organizations for semester-long projects and research. These academic users are also encouraged to donate the fruits of their labor to Smokey's Pantry.
Grow Lab Vision:
We envision a garden where UT students, faculty, staff, and Knoxville citizens participate in hands-on learning, engage in meaningful service, conduct research, and cultivate community. The Grow Lab will demonstrate ecological food production methods, address local food insecurity, contribute to a sense of place, and encourage interdisciplinary partnerships. At the Grow Lab, half of the plots are designated for specific academic courses, research, and university groups. Staff and volunteers maintain the remaining plots and donate produce to hunger-alleviating causes, including the on-campus food pantry.
Which of the following impact areas does the innovation most closely relate to? (select up to three):
Grounds
Diversity & Affordability
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
The website URL where information about the innovation is available :
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.