- Author: Kim McCue
- Editor: Noni Todd
Garden Enhanced Nutrition Education Workshop
by Kim McCue Master Gardener
Good nutrition is a key component to academic success, which is why the California Department of Education (CDE) launched the Garden in Every School Initiative in 1995. Research shows that children who grow and harvest their own fruits and vegetables are more likely to eat them. When this practice is coupled with nutrition education, studies show students increase their understanding of nutrition and develop healthier eating habits. Furthermore, according to the CDE's School Garden Program Overview, a major study showed, “77 percent of students in environment-based education programs scored higher than their peers across all standardized tests and had higher grade point averages.” To view the CDE's document please see http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/he/gardenoverview.asp#ref5.
The UCCE Master Gardeners' Garden-Based Learning program educates teachers and volunteers on how to plant and maintain a school vegetable garden and how to incorporate state educational standards in the process. The program stands on the premise that a school vegetable garden teaches students how growing food locally provides nutritional and environmental benefits. Based on the CDE's report, a school garden may also provide additional academic benefits.
Readers interested in participating in ongoing school garden projects are invited to join the Master Gardeners and UCCE Cal Fresh Program Nutrition Educator, Lisa Paniagua, this Saturday, March 8, for the Garden Enhanced Nutrition Education workshop. The program is from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the UCCE Auditorium and Seven Sister's Demo Garden, 2156 Sierra Way, San Luis Obispo. Online registration is required - http://ucanr.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=12311.
The workshop will train participants how to use existing school gardens to enhance nutrition education for children to promote the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. The cost is $30 per person. The workshop includes hands-on activities in the garden and nutrition lessons including safe food handling practices. Each participant will receive a packet of information to help them get started at their school. Very important water saving signage and literature will be discussed and provided as well. Funding for the development and delivery of this workshop is provided by a California Department of Food and Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant.