By Elaine Bonilla / se news editor

SE culinary arts students will soon grow food they can prepare in class.

Culinary arts instructor Sherry Sipho said the department was given permission to use a plot just behind the culinary arts department.

“The culinary department wants to be able to grow their own vegetables and herbs,” Sipho said.

Currently, the department receives larger amounts of produce from distributor Ben E. Keith Foods and smaller items from stores such as Kroger, Sam’s and Central Market.

“The garden will be used as an educational piece, and the harvested products will be used in labs,” said culinary arts instructor Katrina Warner.

Campus services director Michael Cinatl said the soil preparation and barriers will be funded by the campus while the culinary arts program will pay for the plants.

Although the funding details haven’t been completely worked out, the department hopes donations will get the garden going, Sipho said.

“The beautification committee and the facilities crew will work together to determine the best look for the garden, and it has yet to be determined the size and shape of the plot,” Cinatl said.

Master gardener and grounds supervisor Marc Villanueva, who also serves on the beautification committee, will use his gardening credentials and experience on the garden along with the culinary arts department.

Warner said the department has wanted to grow its own produce for more than a year now.

“I think any opportunity for students to better understand the discipline will only enhance their educational experience,” SE Campus president William Coppola said.

This garden also supports SE’s focus on creating a sustainable environment for the campus, Coppola said.

“Nothing could be more appropriate,” Cinatl said. “The students will be able to prepare foods with fresh items to enhance the quality of their cooking.”