A few years ago, my partner, Sarah, took a part-time teaching assistant position at our kids’ charter school. While there, she discovered an old greenhouse on the premises, which sparked an idea: why not create a school garden? With her background in horticulture and passion for gardening, she approached the school’s administration. They were receptive but needed funding. Together, we began searching for grants to support a program that would teach kids about food production, from seed to plate.
We developed a curriculum where students would design a garden bed, learn about the plants they’d cultivate, understand their nutritional benefits, and discover the journey from seed to harvest. Once the crops were ready, the children could keep part of the produce and donate the rest to the school cafeteria for their classmates to enjoy at lunchtime. Thanks to a generous grant from Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse, some much-needed repairs to the greenhouse, and the establishment of about 40 garden beds, our school now boasts a thriving gardening program that is immensely popular with students, parents, and educators.
Research shows that similar initiatives are taking root across the United States, highlighting the educational and dietary benefits of school gardens. A recent study published in the International Journal for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity focused on schools with high populations of children on free or reduced lunch programs. The findings revealed that school gardens, coupled with cooking and nutrition classes, led to an increase of half a serving of vegetables consumed daily by participating children compared to those without these resources.
While half a serving may not seem substantial, as a parent, convincing my kids to eat even a baby carrot can feel like an uphill battle. However, this small increase in vegetable consumption, paired with food education and gardening, can foster long-term dietary changes. Jaimie Davis, a nutritional sciences professor at UT Austin and the study’s lead author, emphasizes the importance of teaching children about food origins and preparation, particularly for families facing food insecurity and higher risks of obesity-related health issues. This foundational knowledge can help shape healthier eating habits over time—and that’s exactly what I hope to achieve for my kids.
If the nutritional benefits of school gardens don’t convince you, consider the academic advantages. One well-researched program, OutTeach (formerly REAL School Gardens), has established numerous school gardens across the southern U.S. Their findings are impressive: schools with gardens experience a 15% boost in standardized test scores, and 94% of teachers report greater student engagement. Additionally, teachers have noted increased job satisfaction thanks to the garden initiative.
As we navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, and eventually return to a semblance of normalcy, I encourage you to advocate for the establishment of a school garden. It has proven to be a wonderful addition to our children’s educational experience, providing a fantastic opportunity for families to volunteer while enjoying the outdoors. The program has significantly enhanced our children’s understanding of food and nutrition. Honestly, the only downside is a little dirt on your hands—but that’s part of the gardening experience!
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Summary
Creating a school garden not only enhances children’s understanding of food and nutrition but also improves academic performance and increases vegetable consumption. Engaging students in gardening fosters a connection to their food sources and promotes healthier eating habits, making it a valuable addition to any school curriculum.