Garden Based Nutrition Education
The idea of integrating childhood educational curriculum into the natural environment is not new. Garden based-education is an amalgamation of experiential education, ecological and environmental awareness, and agriculture literacy. In the past decade there has been an emergence of school gardens designed to create opportunities for children to learn about fresh food and improve the health of children. In 1995, California's State School Superintendent Delaine Eastin mandated "A garden in every school" to "create opportunities for our children to discover fresh food, make healthier food choices, and become better nourished."
In the context of childhood obesity and today's food culture, fast food, packaged and processed snacks, and super sized sodas, school based-gardens offer children access to fresh produce and often lead to changes in the school cafeteria. Studies conducted by Gail Feenstra from UC SAREP indicate that if children have access to fresh produce they will eat it.
The University of California Cooperative Extension in Alameda County supports Garden-based nutrition education through the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP), in collaboration with the Master Gardener Program.
UCCE provides:
Training for the trainers
Staff development training
Technical support
Resources
Links to other UC and community resources
School based-gardens offer children access to fresh produce and often lead to changes in the school cafeteria. In the context of childhood obesity and today's food culture consisting of fast food, packaged and processed snacks, and super sized sodas, this comes as a welcome change. Schools teaching children to eat more fresh produce through direct experiential learning will help children incorporate these values into their long-term dietary practice.
UCCE is working with Oakland Unified School District Early Childhood Centers and Elementary Schools and other community projects throughout Alameda County. We hope that all the schools in Alameda County have a garden in their schools.
UCCE representatives provide training, technical assistance, and consultation.
Please contact:
Justin Watkins
Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program
School Garden Coordinator
(510) 383-1708