MCC Adresses Sustainability Issues

Manchester Community College Addresses Food Sustainability Issues

Manchester, CT-(November 30, 2011) Manchester Community College in the past few years has focused on sustainability projects on campus to promote ideas and values that encourage all to be better stewards of the environment and promote positive economic growth and social objectives.

The MCC Sustainability Team has undertaken major projects on campus including the farmers market, President’s Climate Commitment Planning, green catering guidelines, Campus Energy Audit, MCC Composting Project, Earth Day Celebration and recycling.

One of most successful projects is the MCC Community Gardens. This was the third year that a parcel of land on the campus was used for community garden plots. The Community Gardens ,managed by the MCC Sustainability Committee, provides learning opportunities for students as an outdoor classroom as well as a community resource to area residents. Improvements to the Community Gardens include raised beds for handicapped access, an expanded gathering space in the shade and a new well for a more reliable water supply. For additional information on the Community Gardens please contact Pauline Lizotte at plizotte@manchestercc.edu.

A new course, Sustainable Food Service Management , is being offered in the 2012 spring semester. The course is geared for managers of restaurants and cafeterias to better understand the complex issues surrounding food that ultimately impacts sustainability. Topics include understanding food, local and seasonal production, processed foods and food choices. For additional information on this course, please contact Jayne Pearson at jpearson@manchestercc.edu.

Students of any age who possess the desire to pursue higher education are welcome at Manchester Community College. MCC is proud of its academic excellence, new facilities, flexible schedules, small classes, low tuition, and faculty with both academic and “real world” credentials. The College offers over 60 programs, transfer options, financial aid and scholarships, as well as access to baccalaureate degrees through guaranteed admissions programs with several universities. MCC is situated on a park-like campus and is easily accessible from I-84.