A longtime highlight of our Children and Family Services, our Learning Gardens program is growing in exciting ways to increase children’s healthy eating choices and access to fresh fruits and vegetables among the families we serve.
Research shows that involving children in a school gardening program may do more than cultivate a green thumb. In one study, elementary school children showed increased willingness to try new foods after growing and cooking in a school-based kitchen and gardening program.
We utilize a curriculum called Garden of Eatin’ to teach children about food, nutrition, cooking, gardening, agriculture, nature, and related topics. Children enrolled in our Children and Family Services programs also learn about healthy eating by the example of their caregivers, who model healthy habits, manners, and good choices in the classroom.
Children enjoy visiting the Learning Gardens classroom. Once a week they go outside to do gardening, planting, weeding, clearing, digging, and pruning. The teacher, Juanita, takes out books, magnifiers, and different types of fruits, vegetables and herbs to be observed, smelled, touched, and tasted!
Iris Marin-Lima
Site Manager
Old Gallinas Childcare Center