UNMC’s community garden provides fresh produce to area food pantries, while also giving students, researchers, faculty and staff an opportunity to connect.
The first garden was established in 2023 at the UNMC College of Public Health, with students and faculty from across campus participating. In 2024, the garden was relocated to the Student Life Center, and student involvement increased. In 2025, the garden expanded to two locations, adding a garden near Annex 22, where UNMC’s HEAL (Health Educators & Academic Leaders) and researchers have planted and tended a large garden.
The garden near Annex 22 has five large beds with a variety of plants, including cabbage, Brussels sprouts, eggplants, basil, watermelon, squash, kale, peppers, minty, parsley and tomatoes … a lot of tomatoes.
The produce is harvested and delivered to the Kountze Commons Community Outreach Center and Ronald McDonald House. The UNMC team provides 20 to 30 pounds of produce each week to the community groups. They expect deliveries to continue through September.
“Being part of the garden project has been incredibly meaningful,” said Shamema Sheree, a graduate research assistant in biochemistry and molecular biology. “It’s not just about growing food — it’s about growing community. Every time we harvest and deliver to the pantry, we see the real impact this work is having. The garden also has become a peaceful gathering space, full of color and life — and even a home for beautiful butterflies.”