“It is very rewarding to see people get in there and get their hands dirty and help out,” said Wang, a student in the entry-level Dual-Degree BS in Health Science Studies/Master's Physician Assistant program, is interning at the garden through the university’s Albert Schweitzer Institute.

Quinnipiac and United Way volunteers teamed up Thursday to expand access to community garden resources in Hamden. The group of 26 assembled garden kits throughout the morning. 

Each of the 30 buckets contained soil as well as an herb, a vegetable and a marigold and were distributed to residents in the afternoon.

“We are extending the garden into the community and helping to address food insecurity,” said Sean Duffy, executive director of the Albert Schweitzer Institute and professor of political science at Quinnipiac.

The garden is managed by the Albert Schweitzer Institute in partnership with the Keefe Center and the United Way. University students, faculty and staff have cultivated the garden and hosted events there for more than a year.

In addition to assembling garden kits, the volunteers also weeded, mulched and harvested vegetables and herbs to be donated to the Keefe Center food pantry.

Kim Braun-Cohen volunteered with her children.

“I thought it would be a great project to do with the kids,” the North Haven resident said. “I am trying to teach my children that it is important to support your community and help out when needed. We drive by the Keefe Center quite often. It has been a delight getting a chance to see this beautiful garden. Quinnipiac did a great job making it a little hidden gem and sanctuary.”

The group of volunteers included six Quinnipiac students. Madison Knibbs and four of her occupational therapy classmates delivered the garden kits to neighborhood homes.

“Being OT students, we know that health management is such an important domain,” she said. “To have days like this where you are helping people to better their lives and quality of life is really important.”