Food (HZ Food Community)

Sustainable Food at HZ

At HZ Green Office, we are promoting sustainable and healthy food. In collaboration with HZ Catering, HZ Vitality Management and researchers within the HZ Food Community, we are implementing more sustainable and healthy food within the HZ.

In addition to making our school canteens more sustainable, we are working on:

Local and Organic Sourcing: Through the Boer&Buur met Natuur project, we are integrating more organic, local and seasonal food in HZ Catering, sourced from local growers like Plantalia in Ritthem.
Student & Community Garden: Since 2019, the Green Office together with International Business students, has been developing a biodiverse garden at the student campus of APV Housing in Vlissingen, with herbs, berries and fruit trees. The garden is currently reshaped into a community garden, so that not only students but also the local neighbourhood can enjoy the garden.
HZ Food Garden: Since COVID-19 we've developed a food garden at HZ Vlissingen with students from different study programs, based on food forest and permaculture principles. Every Thursday from 10-14h, we organise garden sessions at the garden with IVN gardening coach Eva van Gameren and food forest expert Viviane Smit.
HZ Food Community: Together with HZ researchers within the HZ Food Community, we organise food events and collaborate on innovations on health, the protein transition (algae, seaweeds) or minimising food waste.

Our Partners

We work together with several local partners, allowing students to participate in all kinds of sustainable food initiatives. Together with HZ teachers and researchers we are part of the HZ Food Community and connect with innovative food producers via the New Waves project.

Students can garden at CitySeeds, an urban garden in Middelburg, in the mornings on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Besides this, students (and employees) can volunteer at Plantalia, Food Forest Oest and at garden Hemeltjelief.

Plantalia

At Plantalia, a community supported garden in Ritthem, you can learn how to grow your own organic food. During the season, from March to October, you can volunteer every Friday morning from 10-13h. Not available on Fridays? Check out the agenda for other days on their website or contact Karin directly.

In addition to volunteering, you can become a harvest member allowing you to harvest fresh vegetables on a weekly basis. Students get a discount!

Check their website to find out more: https://plantalia.nl/hz/.

Route to Plantalia > Route to Plantalia

Food Forest Oest

Also at Ritthem, at Food Forest Oest you can can volunteer on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday morning 9:30 to 12:30 and Saturday afternoon 13:00-17:00. Meanwhile, you learn about permaculture and food forest principles.

Check their website to find out more: https://www.oestfarmandstay.nl/farm/

Garden Hemeltjelief

On the same location, at the Food Forest Oest, Ran Kok has set up his community garden Hemeltjelief. Every Saturday, you can help him. You learn everything from food forestry to building a pizza oven using cob. The voluntary days are accompanied with a meal from own produce and lots of joy.

More info? You can contact Ran Kok directly at: 06-34901708 or send us an email to greenoffice@hz.nl

CitySeeds - Urban Gardening in Middelburg

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., a group of enthusiastic people gathers to work at CitySeeds, an urban garden in Middelburg. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about urban community gardening and permaculture, while making a meaningful contribution to the local environment.

The morning starts with an introduction from the coordinator, who will explain the day’s tasks, provide tools, and be available to answer questions. You usually work in teams, supported by experienced volunteers who are happy to share their knowledge. Boots, gloves and jackets are available, so you can dive in, no matter the weather!

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just curious to learn, everyone is welcome!

Interested in participating? You can sign up by sending an email to greenoffice@hz.nl.

📍 Location: Meanderlaan 218, 4337 TK Middelburg, Netherlands.

Let’s grow together and make our city greener! 🌱🌿

Get Involved

Join one of our garden sessions every Thursday! For questions or ideas, contact us at: greenoffice@hz.nl.

Interested in volunteering at CitySeeds? Contact: info@cityseeds.nl. For more info, you can go here.

Interested in volunteering at Plantalia? Participate in one of the “Doe-Mee” mornings or contact Karin@plantalia.nl to help on another day.

Want to become a harvest partner as a student or employee? Find more information here.

Our Goals

The Green Office aims for healthier, cheaper, more organic and seasonal food options on campus, along with affordable warm meals for all.

Food Map of Local Growers and Farmers

Looking to buy organic food locally? The HZ Green Office has created a map of local growers around Middelburg and Vlissingen. Use our Map of Local Farmers at Walcheren to find affordable, organic produce close to campus.

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