WHY SCHOOL GARDENS?

Academic Performance Learning Environment/Attitudes Toward Learning Research and anecdotal reports from teachers strongly support the value of gardens in creating a positive learning environment. Gardening programs resulted in reduced classroom management and discipline problems. (Lieberman & Hoody, 1998). Agricultural education and garden programs provide a leverage point for reversing loss of time, control, and a place for students and teachers. (Thorp & Townsend, 2001). Teachers stated gardening programs led to more conducive learning environments. (Center for Ecoliteracy – Findings from the Edible Schoolyard Study, 2003). School gardens increased attention and enthusiasm for learning. (Lieberman and Hoody, 1998). Gardening programs led to greater pride and ownership of accomplishments. (Lieberman & Hoody, 1998).

Research Highlights Gardening increases childrens interest in eating fresh fruits and vegetables Neighborhood aesthetics, social involvement, and community garden participation were significantly associated with fruit and vegetable intake Growing their own vegetables encouraged adults and children to try new foods, which in turn improved their eating habits. In a project that involved integrating nutrition and gardening among children in grades one through four, the outcomes have gone well beyond an understanding of good nutrition and the origin of fresh food, to include enhancing the quality and meaningfulness of learning. After gardening children have shown more positive attitudes toward fruit and vegetable snacks and an improvement in vegetable preference scores. Use of school gardens in academic instruction found that school gardens can positively impact childrens food choices by improving their preferences for vegetables and increasing their nutrition knowledge. (Survey of 4194 Cal. Beneficial bacterium in soil makes us happier Gardening promotes relief from acute stress

Before the Garden

GSF Mission We are dedicated to providing an interdisciplinary program of education through garden-based learning in outdoor living classrooms. Turning asphalt into ecosystems, we teach standards-based lessons and cooking classes in the garden classroom and provide educators the tools they need to make school gardens thrive.

The Beginnings

Our Strategy If kids grow it and cook it theyll eat it. If kids eat more veggies theyll be healthier. Period.

Eat the Rainbow Eat in Season Turn regular foods into Superfoods Eat foods that make you grow UP not OUT

Sustainability Long-term Sustainability? – Coordinated efforts – Community Outreach – Expert resources – District and City policies that support this type of work

Partners National Farm to School and Farm to Preschool Voices for Action Root Down Los Angeles LA Food Policy Council Whole Foods South Central Farms Slow Food Los Angeles Farmers markets, chefs, RDs, students!

Other Programs in LA Growing Great Cedar Sinai Healthy Habits LA Sprouts RootDown LA Common Threads Community Services Unlimited Cooking Matters Healthy School Food Occidental Network for a Healthy California

ESY New Orleans – Pipe dream for LAUSD!

Garden School Foundation

Garden Hokey Pokey You put the seed in the ground, and the roots grow down, then the shoot appears, and sprouts up from the ground. Water, soil, sunshine, and dont forget the air - thats how the garden grows – HEY!

Then the stem grows up, and the leaves grow out, and the flowers blossom, with petals all around. Water, soil, sunshine, and dont forget the air - thats how the garden grows – HEY!

Then the flower dies, and the petals drop, and the fruit appears, like natures lollipop. Water, soil, sunshine, and dont forget the air - thats how the garden grows – HEY!

The seeds inside, travel far and wide, through seed dispersal, the plants will multiply. Water, soil, sunshine, and dont forget the air - thats how the garden grows – HEY!

Garden School Foundation