A few years ago, my partner, Sarah, took on a part-time teaching assistant role at our kids’ charter school. While there, she discovered an old greenhouse on the premises, sparking an idea: Why didn’t the school have a garden? With her background in horticulture, gardening is a passion for her. She approached the school administration with her vision, and while they were receptive, funding was a concern. Together, Sarah and I began searching for grants with a straightforward goal: to educate kids about food production from seed to table.
We created a curriculum where students would design a garden bed, discover the plants they would cultivate, learn about their nutritional benefits, and understand the journey from seed to harvest. Upon harvesting, they would keep some produce for themselves and donate the rest to the school cafeteria, where it would be served to their classmates during lunch. After securing a generous grant from Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse, making necessary repairs to the greenhouse, and establishing around 40 garden beds, our school now boasts a thriving gardening program that kids, parents, and teachers adore.
Interestingly, what Sarah and I initiated in our rural Oregon community mirrors a trend across the U.S. Research indicates that school gardens significantly enhance not only educational outcomes but also students’ diets. A recent study published in the International Journal for Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity focused on schools with high numbers of children relying on free or reduced lunch programs. The research revealed that school gardens, combined with cooking and nutrition classes, led to children consuming, on average, an additional half serving of vegetables daily compared to those without these resources.
While half a serving may seem minor, as a parent, getting my kids to eat even a baby carrot can feel like a monumental task. Yet, that small increase in vegetable consumption, paired with food education, can pave the way for lasting dietary changes. Jaimie Davis, an associate professor at UT Austin and the study’s lead author, emphasizes the importance of teaching children where their food comes from and how to grow and prepare it. This knowledge is crucial for transforming eating habits over time, which is precisely what I hope to achieve for my children.
If the idea of kids eating an extra half serving of vegetables daily doesn’t convince you, consider that academic performance also improves in schools with gardens. A well-regarded program known as OutTeach (formerly REAL School Gardens) has implemented numerous school gardens in the southern United States. They provide training for teachers on effectively using gardens as educational tools. Their findings are impressive: students in schools with gardens saw a 15% rise in standardized test scores, and 94% of teachers reported higher student engagement levels. Many educators also expressed greater job satisfaction, which is significant.
As we navigate through the challenges of a pandemic, it’s essential to think about what comes next. Once COVID-19 is behind us (and it will be), and students return to classrooms, advocating for a school garden could be a game-changer. Our experience has shown that it offers a wonderful opportunity for families to volunteer while enjoying the outdoors and significantly enhances our children’s understanding of food and nutrition. Honestly, the only downside might be getting a bit dirty, but that’s all part of the gardening experience.
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Summary:
School gardens provide numerous benefits, including improved student nutrition and academic performance. By engaging students in gardening activities, schools can foster a deeper understanding of food production and nutrition, leading to healthier eating habits and enhanced learning outcomes.