Green Hearts gets new growing space, courtesy of Bloomfield Twp Councilman

The Green Hearts Movement is gaining interest beyond the boundaries of the campus. Green Hearts was created in 2009 by a group of students who were interested in sustainable gardening. Starting small, they created a plot that grew vegetables and herbs. Now, with the generous donation of Bloomfield Township Councilman Michael Venezia, they can start growing winter vegetables in the new greenhouse on campus.

Green Hearts members are looking to expand their program and take their knowledge into local school in order to excite younger students about sustainable gardening. According to Michael Palmieri ’12, “We not only want to introduce them to green concepts, but also introduce them to Bloomfield College.” Palmieri is one of the original founders and is currently working on his master’s degree at The New School in international policy. He continues his work with Green Hearts as part of his studies and will be working with students at an alternative high school alongside his Green Hearts colleagues.

The success of the Green Hearts garden was evident with a basket of fresh vegetable and herbs that were delivered to the local food pantry. Chinadu Anyiam ’13, current president of Green Hearts says, “We hope that this program continues to grow so that we can share more of our produce with the larger community.”

Council Michael Venezia was very impressed with the new greenhouse and the plans the Green Hearts have for it. “This is a great project for the township which can be replicated on a larger scale if it remains successful. Working with younger students is good for both the township and the college. As the college grows, the township benefits.”