“School Gardens Lead to Healthy Bodies and Healthy Minds” Green Schools Conference March 28, 2014 Sacramento, CA

Everyone has the own definition of Slow Food: For me it is: 1) A World Wide Movement 2) Lifestyle choice 3) A shift in priorities 4) Leaders in local food promotions 5) Non-profit network of passionate people

With over 175 Chapters and 40 Campus Chapters, there is a great opportunity for a national network of school gardens: 1) Very passionate supporters 2) Pools of volunteers 3) Great networks for support 4) Excellent fundraisers

Our mission as an international grassroots membership organization is Good, Clean and Fair food for all. GOOD “Our food should be tasty, seasonal, local, fresh and wholesome.” CLEAN “Our food should nourish a healthful lifestyle and be produced in ways that preserve biodiversity, sustain the environment and ensure animal welfare without harming human health.” FAIR “Our food should be affordable by all, while respecting the dignity of labor from field to fork.”

Our mission as an international grassroots membership organization is Good, Clean and Fair food for all. Ark of Taste Slow Meat National School Garden Program

American Bronze TurkeyAmish Pie Squash

Good: Whether an animal breed, baked treat, fruit, spice, grain, or beverage, these foods are prized by those who eat them for their special taste. Clean: No engineered foods here. These foods are linked to the place and the community that protects them. Everything on the Ark of Taste has the potential to be grown, raised or produced without harm to the environment. Fair: No commercial or trademarked items are allowed on to the Ark of Taste, only foods that anyone may champion, produce, share or sell.

Good: A diversity of breeds that provide meat with appropriate nutrients, enjoyed in proper proportions and recognizing culturally different preparation methods. Clean: Animals that are raised on pasture with minimal confinement with proper use of land and water resources and without antibiotics, hormones and chemicals. Safely processed without any contamination. Appropriately labeled packages with properly defined terms. Fair: Humane treatment of animals and safe conditions for workers. A food chain that provides a working business model for committed producers and fair access to all segments of the population.

Taste EducationGarden to Cafeteria

Scratch cookingLocal Produce

The transformation of School Food Culture reflects Slow Food values of: GOOD “ Our food should be tasty, seasonal, local, fresh and wholesome.” Examples: 1. Whole, raw, fresh, local produce- gardens and farms. 2. Scratch cooking in school kitchens. 3. Salad bars in schools serving seasonal items. 4. Taste education classes help students develop skills and palates for fresh food.

Seed StartingSpring Planting

The science of decay No waste from the garden

The transformation of School Food Culture reflects Slow Food values of: CLEAN “ Our food should nourish a healthful lifestyle and be produced in ways that preserve biodiversity, sustain the environment and ensure animal welfare without harming human health.” 1. Organic practices in school gardens and farms 2. Use of heirloom plants in gardens 3. Composting is a component of the garden and farm practices

Ready to sell!Selling to the community

Grow a Row ProgramsCommunity projects

The transformation of School Food Culture reflects Slow Food values of: FAIR “ Our food should be affordable by all, while respecting the dignity of labor from field to fork.” 1. All students benefit from the gardens and farms. 2. Local food purchases must fit in with the current food budget. 4. Markets reflect prices in the neighborhood. 5. The District pays the gardens for the fresh produce.

School Garden GuideBest Practices Design & Build Volunteers Fundraising Curriculum Marketing Special Projects Policy Evaluation

Currently developing resources to build the capacity of Chapters to increase their activity in school garden projects: 1) Peer-to-Peer learning 2) Technical assistance for special projects 3) Training workshops and webinars 4) Grant support for garden projects 5) Formation of strategic partnerships

“School Gardens Lead to Healthy Bodies and Healthy Minds” Green Schools Conference March 28, 2014 Sacramento, CA