A longtime highlight of our Children and Family Services, our Learning Gardens program is growing in exciting ways to increase 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.