Top Ten Reasons Why School Gardens are an Excellent Idea

Top Ten Reasons Why School Gardens are an Excellent Idea http://www.betterschoolfood.org/ )

1. Magic happens when a child harvests a vegetable he or she has planted and nurtured. The child will want to eat it! It will increase interest and improve attitudes towards eating fruits and vegetables.

2. Students will learn where food really comes from - a carrot grows in the ground, a green bean on a vine and Brussels sprouts on a stalk!

3. School gardens foster an increased awareness of environmental issues. They will learn to respect and care for the soil, where our food comes from.

4. They will get to share their bounty with their classmates. Eating with their peers is one of the most important motivators for children to try new foods.

5. It gives children an opportunity to be outside and away from computer screens and, at the same time, significantly increase science achievement scores.

6. They improve self esteem, behavior, social skills and interpersonal relationships as well as help develop life skills including working with groups.

7. Research by Columbia Teachers College shows that hands-on gardening and cooking programs are the two things that are actually effective in behavior change; they get kids to eat more vegetables.

8. The gardens are beautiful spaces that connect students to their school and help them develop a sense of pride and ownership, which in turn improves attitudes towards school and discourages vandalism.

9. They provide opportunities for community involvement including neighbors, volunteers, parents, and local businesses.

10. School gardens promote good nutrition and exercise. The health of our kids and the health of our planet are fundamentally connected.