The Farmer Jackets student organization at Baldwin Wallace University is helping educate BW students and the community on sustainable practices.
The Farmer Jackets have their own garden on campus, which they use to grow and provide organic produce to BW students at a low cost.
The Farmer Jackets will be growing spinach, radishes and lettuce for the first time this winter in the garden hoop house. The hoop house is a structure supported by metal hoops staked in the ground with plastic siding, similar to a plastic tent. The hoop house harnesses passive energy, which traps solar power without using electricity or coal.
President, BW Senoir, Richard Bargielski, Garden Manager, Bw Junior Caitlyn Byron and Co-Advisors Dr. Natalie Barratt and Dr. Jill Fleisher lead the organization. This group has been an official organization since Spring 2011 when Rebecca Newbould, a 2012 BW graduate, founded the Farmer Jackets to promote sustainable initiatives through healthy, locally-grown food.
Dining Services tries to incorporate a recipe from the Farmer Jackets’ cookbook every week and sponsors the Farmer’s Market where the Farmer Jackets’ produce is sold in the Strosacker Student Union to BW students, faculty and staff.
“We really appreciate Dining Services for increasing the Farmer Jackets’ visibility on campus and in the BW community,” Byron said.
The Farmer Jackets are looking for an opportunity to expand their efforts through financial assistance from Student Government.
This organization has strong ties to the Sustainability Program at BW, but students of all majors are encouraged to get involved.
The Farmer Jackets are looking for volunteers, particularly in the summer, to help tend the garden. If  interested, contact Richard Bargielski at [email protected].