School Gardens: Food, Fun and Fitness

Healthy Happening: What offers students opportunities to be physically active while learning about the environment, nutrition, teamwork, and patience? A school garden, of course! Several Centennial schools have a garden, including global gardens that contain plants from around the world and vegetable gardens. Involving young people in growing produce gives them ownership of the food products and encourages them to try new foods.

Students, parents, and staff at Pleasant Valley Elementary work to create a school garden

Resource: Growing Gardens
Growing Gardens Youth Grow Program partners with interested schools to improve nutrition and decrease the risk of food insecurity by teaching children lessons in where food comes from, the importance of eating fruits and vegetables and how to grow food through fun hands-on activities.

Funding Opportunity: Multnomah County Health Places Healthy People Grant
Deadline: Dec 1                         Award Amount: $2,500 - $50,000
School gardens are one of many types of projects that could apply for funding through this grant