School Gardens & Greenhouse

Thirty-four of our schools have school gardens, many of them created and supported by local nonprofits. Garden to Table (formerly The Growe Foundation), Growing Gardens and Big Green work with schools to provide assistance with design, organization, planting, maintenance, and most importantly, lessons about biology, ecology, horticulture, and the economics of agriculture and food.

Typically, schools plant and tend their garden plot with participation from students, teachers and many parents. Some schools harvest lettuce and other short germination vegetables in the late spring with the crop used in one or more school meals. Students get to make further connections about what it means to eat local while taking pride in the literal fruits of their labor.  In the fall, longer germination vegetables are harvested and used in the cafeteria or in a school farmers market to give students a hands-on experience with the economics of the local food economy.

 When students get their own hands dirty, through school garden participation or field trips, they show more willingness to try new foods, especially fruits and vegetables.

Farm to school gives schools and school districts local control and flexibility to offer seasonally available, regionally-produced foods on their menu, often sourced directly from local farmers.

Farm to school benefits students, teachers, parents, and producers.  Connecting communities to their local farmers, ranchers and fishers builds stronger ties to the community and a culture of appreciation for those who care for our land.

Farm to school introduces students to agriculture career paths.  Our nation’s food supply depends on more young people entering the field of agriculture.  Farm to school inspires young people to consider careers in agriculture and food systems.

USDA Food & Nutrition service