School Gardens: Improving Student Health and Gardening Knowledge in Escambia County Schools Apple Annie University of West Florida Honors Program Spring 2011

Introduction Humans have relied on agriculture for about 10,000 years. Co-evolution affects: ▫Diet ▫Culture ▫Learning Experience The general understanding of food has changed.

Introduction The deviation from natural foods contributes to the declining health of Americans. Childhood obesity is considered an epidemic. ▫High calorie content ▫Low nutritional value ▫Sedentary activity Diet is a major factor in the frequency of diseases.

Background: Health of Escambia County School Children 37% of Escambia County students are either underweight, overweight, or obese. Food choices affect health.

Health Effects on Escambia County School Children School garden programs influence student food choices. Increased availability means increased vitamin intake and improved health. School garden programs should be widely implemented in Escambia County school curriculum.

Health Effects on Escambia County School Children Oakcrest Elementary School: 100% enrollment in Free Lunch program. Oakcrest Elementary School Cafeteria Data Demand per week Menu Item Salad Apples Oranges Before Harvest 7 lbs 2 cases After Harvest lbs 4 cases 3 cases

Change in attitude towards healthy foods

General Learning Outcomes of School Gardens Environment-based education results in the following: ▫higher standardized test scores ▫fewer discipline issues ▫enhanced interest in learning ▫a greater sense of accomplishment School gardens are used with science, environmental studies, and nutrition. They are applicable to many different subjects across various learning levels.

General Learning Outcomes of School Gardens School gardens activate children’s senses. Children become more environmentally aware. Children experience phenomena and gain respect for all life. Children realize that their actions affect other living things.

Opposition to School Gardening Gardening steals time from core curriculum. ▫Gardening is an experiential learning alternative. Gardens are another responsibility for teachers. ▫Gardens provide a different way to teach the same lessons.  “Grow Healthy”- Florida School Garden Project  A Child’s Garden of Standards- California Department of Education

Opposition to School Gardening “Brown thumb” Funding Land Weather Summer break Vandalism Kids in the dirt Teacher participation

Conclusion Research must be conducted to ensure the growth and longevity of garden programs. Garden-based curriculum should be reflected in the lesson plans of committed teachers. School gardens provide more than just a harvest of food.

Take Action! Research gardens in your community. Contact food pantries and garden clubs. To find registered gardens within your area visit Research school garden internships. If one doesn’t exist, create one!